Meaning of otherwise In English

• 0 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.

• 1 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).

• 2 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.

• 3 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.

• 4 differently, or in another way:

  • Samuel Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain

  • Parts of the company will be sold or otherwise dismantled.

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

• 5 if not; or else:

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