First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1else
adverb \ˈel(t)s\
: in a different or additional manner or place : at a different or additional time
Full Definition of ELSE
1
a : in a different manner or place or at a different time <how else could he have acted> <here and nowhere else> b : in an additional manner or place or at an additional time <where else is gold found>
2
: if not : otherwise <leave or else you'll be sorry> —used absolutely to express a threat <do what I tell you or else>
See else defined for English-language learners
See else defined for kids
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Origin of ELSE
Middle English elles, from Old English; akin to Latin alius other, alter other of two, Greek allos other
Related to ELSE
- Synonyms
- differently, otherwise, other (than)
- Antonyms
- likewise
2else
adjective
—used to refer to a different or additional person or thing
Full Definition of ELSE
: other: a : being different in identity <it must have been somebody else> b : being in addition <what else did he say?>
See else defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ELSE
before 12th century
ELSE Defined for Kids
1else
adverb \ˈels\
Definition of ELSE for Kids
1
: in a different way or place or at a different time <How else could it be done?>
2
: if the facts are or were different : if not <Hurry or else you'll be late.>
2else
adjective
Definition of ELSE for Kids
1
: being other and different <Ask someone else.>
2
: being in addition <What else can I bring?>
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