/ ˈʌðəwaɪz; NAmE ˈʌðərwaɪz/ adverb
1.
used to state what the result would be if sth did not happen or if the situation were different :
My parents lent me the money. Otherwise, I couldn't have afforded the trip.
Shut the window, otherwise it'll get too cold in here.
We're committed to the project. We wouldn't be here otherwise.
2.
apart from that :
There was some music playing upstairs. Otherwise the house was silent.
He was slightly bruised but otherwise unhurt.
3.
in a different way to the way mentioned; differently :
Bismarck, otherwise known as 'the Iron Chancellor'
It is not permitted to sell or otherwise distribute copies of past examination papers.
You know what this is about. Why pretend otherwise (= that you do not) ?
I wanted to see him but he was otherwise engaged (= doing sth else) .
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IDIOMS
- or otherwise
—more at know verb
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English on ōthre wisan (from other + wise manner or extent of something ).