Basic Details
Word: Otherwise
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: If not; or else. It can also mean in a different way, or apart from that.
Synonyms: else, differently
How to Spell Otherwise
Syllables: oth - er - wise
Tricky part: It is one word, not other wise, and the ending is wise with an s, not wize.
Watch out for: otherwize, otherwis, utherwise
Memory tip: It would be wise to look at the other side before you decide. Other and wise hide inside one word.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Wear a raincoat; otherwise you will get soaked.
Example 2: The soup was a little salty, but otherwise the meal was good.
Example 3: He thinks otherwise, and nothing will change his mind.
Fun Fact
The wise in otherwise is an old word for way or manner. It survives in likewise and clockwise too.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word otherwise as used in the sentence:
Water the tulsi plant every day, otherwise it will dry up in this heat.
a) although
b) therefore
c) or else
d) because
Show answer
c) or else. The sentence warns what happens if you do not water it, which is exactly what or else does.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
We have to finish the project by Friday, otherwize the whole class will lose marks and the teacher will not accept late work.
a) finish
b) otherwize
c) project
d) accept
Show answer
b) otherwize. The second half is the ordinary word wise, as in a wise owl, spelt with an s.
Word Makeup
Only one of these compound words is spelt correctly. Choose it:
a) furthermor
b) nevertheles
c) wherabouts
d) otherwise
Show answer
d) otherwise. Nevertheless ends in a double s, furthermore keeps its final e and whereabouts keeps the e of where.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. In 'The bus was late, but otherwise the trip went well', otherwise means ____.
a) before that
b) apart from that
c) instead of that
d) because of that
Show answer
b) apart from that
2. Someone who 'thinks otherwise' ____.
a) is thinking very hard
b) agrees with everyone
c) forgets the question
d) has a different opinion
Show answer
d) has a different opinion
