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).
Phrases and idioms:
and (or or) otherwise the negation or opposite (of a specified thing) (the merits or otherwise of the Bill; experiences pleasant and otherwise).
Etymology: OE on othre wisan (as OTHER, WISE(2))