adv. & adj.
adv. 1 else; or else; in the circumstances other than those considered etc. (bring your umbrella, otherwise you will get wet). 2 in other respects (he is untidy, but otherwise very suitable). 3 (often foll. by than) in a different way (could not have acted otherwise; cannot react otherwise than angrily). 4 as an alternative (otherwise known as Jack).
adj. 1 (predic.) in a different state (the matter is quite otherwise). 2 archaic that would otherwise exist (their otherwise dullness). and (or or) otherwise the negation or opposite (of a specified thing) (the merits or otherwise of the Bill; experiences pleasant and otherwise).
[ OE on othre wisan (as OTHER, WISE(2)) ]