otherwise

Meanings

• adverb

  Used to indicate a contrast or reversal of a situation or action. For example, 'You can't go out in the rain without an umbrella, otherwise you'll get wet.'

  - "Instead of taking the bus, I walked otherwise. (= I walked instead of taking the bus)"
  - "If you want to make tea, add the tea bag to the water otherwise the tea will not steep properly."
  - "He promised to be on time, otherwise he would lose his job."

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Pronunciation

1. 
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1250075"

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Antonyms

likewise

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Synonyms

contrarily , contrastingly , elsewise , apart from , else , if , not , or else

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with otherwise
verses , worse , hearse , rehearse

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Variants

List of all variants of otherwise that leads to same result
otherwise , otherwise engaged , otherwise known as , and otherwise , or otherwise , know different , know different/otherwise , know otherwise

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From Old English 'wers' meaning 'other' + 'wise' meaning 'way' or 'manner'. The word has been used since the late 14th century.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. Did you know that 'otherwise' can also be used as a noun to mean 'a contrast' or 'an alternative'? For example, 'The otherwise unremarkable town became famous when it was discovered that the local baker made the best bread in the world.'

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. contrast: The use of 'otherwise' often involves creating a contrast between two situations or actions. It can be used to highlight the differences between them and to emphasize the importance of choosing the right one.

2. reversal: Another meaning of 'otherwise' is 'in another way' or 'in reverse'. For example, 'If you want to empty a bucket of water, you can either tip it upside down otherwise and let the water flow out.' This use of 'otherwise' involves a reversal of the usual order of things.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature, 'otherwise' has been used to create suspense and to convey a sense of contrast or reversal. For example, in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth says, 'If he does not come home, you and I will go to Dunsinane, and I will wear his crown upon my head.' To which Macbeth replies, 'When shall we do it?' 'Why not tonight?' 'Why, now, if we do it, and do it quickly, we shall be at him before he knows he's quitzzled. If we wait till to-morrow, he is too likely to take his guards.' (Act I, Scene 5). This use of 'otherwise' creates a sense of urgency and danger.

How to Memorize "otherwise"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a situation where you have to choose between two options, and 'otherwise' represents the opposite of the one you don't choose. For example, 'I can either go to the party (Option A) or stay at home (Option B). Otherwise, I will do the opposite of what I have planned.'

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'otherwise' with the idea of a contrast or reversal. For example, 'The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Otherwise, it would rise in the west and set in the east.'

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a mnemonic device to help remember the meaning of 'otherwise'. For example, 'Otherwise means opposite, or other way, or otherwise stated, or other than expected.'

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Memorize "otherwise" using Dictozo

The best and recommended way to memorize otherwise is, by using Dictozo. Just save the word in Dictozo extension and let the app handle the rest. It enhances the memorization process in two ways:

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