otherwise

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   If things were different; or else.

   Write it down now, otherwise you'll forget.

2. 2
   adv

   In all other respects; apart from that.

   The flight was delayed, but otherwise the trip was perfect.

3. 3
   adv

   In a different way; differently.

   You may think so, but I believe otherwise.

From Middle English otherwise, othre wise, from Old English on ōþre wīsan (literally “in (on) other/different manner”); equivalent to other + -wise. Compare West Frisian yn oarwei (“otherwise”), Icelandic öðruvísi (“different”).

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