/udh"euhr wuyz'/ , adv.
1. under other circumstances: Otherwise they may get broken.
2. in another manner; differently: Under the circumstances, I can't believe otherwise.
3. in other respects: an otherwise happy life.
conj.
4. or else; if not: Button up your overcoat, otherwise you'll catch cold.
adj.
5. other or different; of another nature or kind: We hoped his behavior would be otherwise.
6. in other or different circumstances: An otherwise pleasure had become a grinding chore.
[ bef. 900; ME; OE ( on ) othre wisan (in) another manner. See OTHER, -WISE ]