Or otherwise
adverb
In any other way, of any other kind or situation.
We must determine whether he is guilty or otherwise.
Often appears as...
- guilty or otherwise
- responsible or otherwise
adverb
Used to express the idea of alternatives or different possibilities.
Any person who, by violent conduct or otherwise, interferes with the peace or security of the public will face penalties.
Often appears as...
- interferes or otherwise
- damages or otherwise
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
adverb
In any other way, of any other kind or situation.
We must determine whether he is guilty or otherwise.
Often appears as...
- guilty or otherwise
- responsible or otherwise
adverb
Used to express the idea of alternatives or different possibilities.
Any person who, by violent conduct or otherwise, interferes with the peace or security of the public will face penalties.
Often appears as...
- interferes or otherwise
- damages or otherwise
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Broad Alternatives
Use 'or otherwise' to suggest a wide range of unspecified alternatives when the options are not limited to the mentioned ones.
Helpful or otherwise, each feedback is reviewed.
Pro Tip 2/3Implying Opposites
'Or otherwise' is often used to imply the opposite scenario of the one described, without specifying it.
Whether they win or otherwise, their efforts are commendable.
Pro Tip 3/3Categorical Inclusion
It includes all possible scenarios, even those not categorically listed or imagined by the speaker.
All items, damaged or otherwise, must be cataloged.
Pro Tip 1/3Broad Alternatives
Use 'or otherwise' to suggest a wide range of unspecified alternatives when the options are not limited to the mentioned ones.
Helpful or otherwise, each feedback is reviewed.
Pro Tip 2/3Implying Opposites
'Or otherwise' is often used to imply the opposite scenario of the one described, without specifying it.
Whether they win or otherwise, their efforts are commendable.
Pro Tip 3/3Categorical Inclusion
It includes all possible scenarios, even those not categorically listed or imagined by the speaker.
All items, damaged or otherwise, must be cataloged.
Pro Tip 1/3Broad Alternatives
Use 'or otherwise' to suggest a wide range of unspecified alternatives when the options are not limited to the mentioned ones.
Helpful or otherwise, each feedback is reviewed.
Pro Tip 2/3Implying Opposites
'Or otherwise' is often used to imply the opposite scenario of the one described, without specifying it.
Whether they win or otherwise, their efforts are commendable.
Pro Tip 3/3Categorical Inclusion
It includes all possible scenarios, even those not categorically listed or imagined by the speaker.
All items, damaged or otherwise, must be cataloged.
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