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
First Known Use: before 12th century

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>

First Known Use of OTHERWISE

13th century

Related to OTHERWISE

3otherwise

adjective

: not the same

Full Definition of OTHERWISE

:  different <if conditions were otherwise>

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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Next Word in the Dictionary: otherwisenessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: otherwhileAll Words Near: otherwise
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