oth ‧ er ‧ wise S1 W2 /ˈʌðəwaɪz $ ˈʌðər-/ BrE AmE adverb
1 . [sentence adverb] used when saying what bad thing will happen if something is not done:
You’ll have to go now, otherwise you’ll miss your bus.
Put your coat on, otherwise you’ll get cold.
2 . [sentence adverb] used when saying what would have happened or might have happened if something else had not happened:
We were delayed at the airport. Otherwise we would have been here by lunch time.
They got two free tickets to Canada, otherwise they’d never have been able to afford to go.
3 . say/think/decide etc otherwise to say, think, or decide something different:
The government claims that the economy is improving, but this survey suggests otherwise.
A lot of people think otherwise.
4 . except for what has just been mentioned:
He was tired but otherwise in good health.
[sentence adverb]
I could hear the distant noise of traffic. Otherwise all was still.
[+ adjective/adverb]
This spoiled an otherwise excellent piece of work.
Their arrival livened up an otherwise dull afternoon.
5 . or otherwise especially British English used to refer to the opposite of what has just been mentioned:
We welcome any comments from viewers, favourable or otherwise.
The truth or otherwise of this diagnosis would be revealed in the future.
6 . otherwise engaged formal busy doing something else:
I’m afraid I will be otherwise engaged that day.
7 . otherwise known as also called:
Albert DeSalvo, otherwise known as the Boston Strangler
8 . formal in a different way:
people who smoke or otherwise abuse their bodies
9 . it cannot be otherwise/how can it be otherwise? formal used to say that it is impossible for something to be different from the way it is:
Life in the military is hard – how can it be otherwise?
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ if used when talking about the possibility that something might happen or be true:
He faces a long prison sentence if the court finds him guilty.
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If scientists’ predictions are correct, average global temperatures could rise by 6 degrees.
▪ unless if something does not happen, or if someone does not do something:
The star is difficult to see unless the sky is very clear.
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Doctors said they could not treat the boy unless his parents gave their permission.
▪ whether or not used when saying that it does not matter if something happens or not, or if something is true or not:
Most people will get better on their own, whether or not they receive medical treatment.
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I’m still going, whether she likes it or not.
▪ otherwise used when saying that there will be a bad result if someone does not do something, or if something does not happen:
Drink plenty of water – otherwise you will become dehydrated.
▪ in case in order to deal with something that might happen:
She did not think it would rain, but she took her umbrella just in case.
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It is best to keep a medical kit ready in case of emergency.
▪ as long as/provided that only if something else happens or is true:
Visitors are welcome, as long as they bring their own tent.
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Anyone can join the course, provided that there is space available.
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As long as you can find a computer, you can access an internet-based bank account wherever you are.
▪ on condition that used when you agree to do something only if someone first agrees to do something else:
He was offered the job on condition that he went on a month-long training course.