First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1otherwise
pronoun oth·er·wise \-ˌwīz\
Definition of OTHERWISE
: something or anything else : something to the contrary <was ordered to testify and could not do otherwise>
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Origin of OTHERWISE
Middle English, from Old English (on) ōthre wīsan in another manner
Rhymes with OTHERWISE
advertise, agonize, alchemize, analyze, anglicize, anodize, anywise, aphorize, arborize, atomize, authorize, autolyze, balkanize, barbarize, bastardize, bestialize, bolshevize, booby prize, botanize, bowdlerize, brutalize, canalize, canonize, capsulize, caramelize, carbonize, cartelize, catalyze, catechize, cauterize, centralize, channelize, Christianize, cicatrize, circumcise, civilize, classicize, colonize, colorize, communize, compromise, concertize, concretize, creolize, criticize, customize, demonize, deputize, dialyze, digitize, disfranchise, dogmatize, dramatize, elegize, empathize, emphasize, energize, enfranchise, enterprise, equalize, erotize, eternize, etherize, eulogize, euphemize, exercise, exorcise, factorize, fantasize, federalize, feminize, fertilize, feudalize, fictionize, finalize, focalize, formalize, formulize, fossilize, fragmentize, fraternize, gallicize, galvanize, germanize, ghettoize, glamorize, globalize, gormandize, gothicize, gourmandize, grecianize, harmonize, heathenize, hebraize, hellenize, heroize, hierarchize, humanize, hybridize, hypnotize, idolize, immunize, iodize, ionize, ironize, Islamize, itemize, jeopardize, journalize, Judaize, laicize, latinize, legalize, lionize, liquidize, localize, magnetize, marbleize, martyrize, maximize, mechanize, melanize, melodize, memorize, merchandise, mesmerize, methodize, metricize, minimize, mobilize, modernize, moisturize, mongrelize, moralize, motorize, mythicize, narcotize, nasalize, nebulize, neutralize, normalize, notarize, novelize, obelize, odorize, optimize, organize, ostracize, oversize, oxidize, paganize, palletize, paradise, paralyze, pasteurize, patronize, pauperize, penalize, penny-wise, personalize, pidginize, plasticize, Platonize, pluralize, pocket-size, poetize, polarize, polemize, pressurize, privatize, profitwise, prussianize, publicize, pulverize, racialize, randomize, rationalize, realize, recognize, rhapsodize, robotize, romanize, sanitize, satirize, scandalize, schematize, schismatize, scrutinize, sensitize, sermonize, signalize, simonize, sinicize, slenderize, sloganize, socialize, sodomize, solarize, solemnize, specialize, stabilize, Stalinize, standardize, sterilize, stigmatize, strategize, subsidize, summarize, supervise, syllogize, symbolize, sympathize, synchronize, syncretize, synopsize, synthesize, systemize, tantalize, televise, temporize, tenderize, terrorize, tetanize, teutonize, texturize, theorize, thermalize, totalize, tranquilize, traumatize, tyrannize, unionize, unitize, urbanize, utilize, valorize, vandalize, vaporize, verbalize, vernalize, victimize, vitalize, vocalize, vulcanize, vulgarize, weather-wise, weatherize, westernize, winterize, womanize, worldly-wise
2otherwise
adverb
: in a different way or manner
: if something did not happen, was not true, etc.
: in all ways except the one mentioned
Full Definition of OTHERWISE
1
: in a different way or manner <glossed over or otherwise handled — Playboy>
2
: in different circumstances <might otherwise have left>
3
: in other respects <an otherwise flimsy farce — Current Biography>
4
: if not <do what I tell you, otherwise you'll be sorry>
5
: not —paired with an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb to indicate its contrary or to suggest an indefinite alternative <people whose deeds, admirable or otherwise — John Fischer> <almost thirty thousand women, Irish and otherwise — J. M. Burns> <his opinion as to the success or otherwise of it — Austral. Dict. of Biography>
See otherwise defined for English-language learners
See otherwise defined for kids
First Known Use of OTHERWISE
13th century
Related to OTHERWISE
- Synonyms
- differently, else, other (than)
- Antonyms
- likewise
3otherwise
adjective
: not the same
Full Definition of OTHERWISE
: different <if conditions were otherwise>
See otherwise defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of OTHERWISE
14th century
OTHERWISE Defined for Kids
otherwise
adverb oth·er·wise \ˈə-thər-ˌwīz\
Definition of OTHERWISE for Kids
1
: in another way <He never treated her otherwise than with respect.>
2
: in different circumstances <Thanks for driving; otherwise I couldn't go.>
3
: in other ways <Trucks aren't allowed, but it is an otherwise busy street.>
4
: if not : or else <“I always have to sing to myself for a while; otherwise I can't sleep …” — Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking>
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