otherwise
gb/ˈʌðɚwˌaɪz/ us/ˈʌðɚwˌaɪz/
A2
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
relation
1
if not; or else
Used to say what will happen if something does not happen or is not true.
Usage pattern:
[statement], otherwise [result]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'otherwise' with 'therefore', but 'otherwise' talks about what happens if the first thing does not happen.
Synonyms
or else (Slightly more informal and can sound like a threat in some contexts.)
Antonyms
therefore (Indicates a result from a reason, opposite in logic to a conditional alternative.)
Collocations
or otherwise
|unless otherwise stated
|otherwise known as
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You need to wear a helmet, otherwise you could get hurt.
- Please be on time; otherwise, we will start without you.
- I hope it doesn’t rain; otherwise, the picnic will be canceled.
Learner examples
- Take an umbrella, otherwise you will get wet.
- Be careful, otherwise you may fall.
- Finish your homework, otherwise you cannot play games.
adverb
B1
relation
2
in another way
In a different way, or except for the thing mentioned.
Usage pattern:
[something] is [adjective], but otherwise [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners may forget that 'otherwise' here means 'in other ways', not 'if not'. Context is key.
Synonyms
differently (Focuses only on being not the same, without the 'except for' meaning.)
Antonyms
similarly (Indicates being the same in ways rather than different.)
Collocations
otherwise occupied
|otherwise engaged
|otherwise identical
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The test was hard, but otherwise it was fair.
- She seemed tired, but otherwise happy.
- The movie was boring, but otherwise well-made.
Learner examples
- He is small, but otherwise healthy.
- The book is long, but otherwise easy to read.
- The room is old, but otherwise clean.
adverb
B2
relation
3
under other conditions
If the situation were different.
Usage pattern:
Otherwise, [statement about different situation]
Synonyms
alternatively (Suggests another option rather than a hypothetical change in conditions.)
Antonyms
as is (Means keeping the current condition without change.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I would help you, but I’m otherwise engaged.
- Otherwise, I might have joined you for dinner.
- I might have gone to the party; otherwise, I stayed home because I was sick.
Learner examples
- I wanted to come, but I was otherwise busy.
- Otherwise, I would have called you.
- I would help, but I am otherwise occupied.
Grammar
Dictionary form
otherwise
IPA
GB/ˈʌðɚwˌaɪz/
US/ˈʌðɚwˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
oth - er - wise (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (oth)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: otherwise
- Plural: otherwises
Word family
Expressions
otherwise known as
1/ˈʌðɚwˌaɪz nˈoʊn ˈæz/
fixed phrase
also called something else
Used to say another name for someone or something.
Examples
- Mark Twain, otherwise known as Samuel Clemens, wrote many famous books.
- The disease is otherwise known as chickenpox.
unless otherwise stated
1/ʌnlˈɛs ˈʌðɚwˌaɪz stˈeɪtɪd/
fixed phrase
formal
except if said differently
Except if something different is said before.
Examples
- Unless otherwise stated, all prices include tax.
- The offer is valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated.
unless otherwise stated
2/ʌnlˈɛs ˈʌðɚwˌaɪz stˈeɪtɪd/
fixed phrase
except if told differently
Used to say something is true except when a different instruction or information is given.
Examples
- All prices include tax unless otherwise stated.
- Participants must register online unless otherwise stated in the event details.