otherwise Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite other than as supposed or expected
    • the outcome was otherwise
  2. adverb in other respects or ways
    • he is otherwise normal
    • the funds are not otherwise available
    • an otherwise hopeless situation
  3. adverb in another and different manner;
    other than; differently.
    • very soon you will know differently
    • she thought otherwise
    • there is no way out other than the fire escape

WordNet

Oth"er*wise` adverb
Etymology
Other + wise manner.
Definitions
  1. In a different manner; in another way, or in other ways; differently; contrarily. Chaucer.
    Thy father was a worthy prince, And merited, alas! a better fate; But Heaven thought otherwise. Addison.
  2. In other respects.
    It is said, truly, that the best men otherwise are not always the best in regard of society. Hooker.
  3. In different circumstances; under other conditions; as, I am engaged, otherwise I would accept. ✍ Otherwise, like so and thus, may be used as a substitute for the opposite of a previous adjective, noun, etc.
    Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me. 2 Cor. xi. 16.
    Her eyebrows . . . rather full than otherwise. Fielding.

Webster 1913