otherwise

7 definitions • 14 examples

used after an order or suggestion to show what the result will be if you do not follow that order or suggestion:

I'd better write it down, otherwise I'll forget it.

Call home, otherwise your parents will start to worry.

differently, or in another way:

The police believe he is the thief, but all the evidence suggests otherwise (= that he is not).

Under the Bill of Rights, a person is presumed innocent until proved otherwise (= guilty).

Protestors were executed, jailed or otherwise persecuted.

Marion Morrison, otherwise known as the film star John Wayne, was born in 1907.

formal I can't meet you on Tuesday - I'm otherwise engaged/occupied (= doing something else).

except for what has just been referred to:

The bike needs a new wheel, but otherwise it's in good condition.

The poor sound quality ruined an otherwise beautiful film.

used to show that something is completely different from what you think it is or from what was previously stated:

He might have told you he was a qualified electrician, but the truth is quite otherwise.

differently, or in another way:

Samuel Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain

Parts of the company will be sold or otherwise dismantled.

Otherwise also means except for what was just referred to:

I like working outside when it’s warm, but otherwise I stay indoors.

if not; or else:

Tell me if you want it, otherwise I’ll give it to Freya.