English Words Note. 5

else

adv \ˈel(t)s\

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>

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Examples of ELSE

1. We decided to go someplace else for dinner.
2. <if you could do it over again, how else would you have done it?>

Origin of ELSE

Middle English elles, from Old English; akin to Latin alius other, alter other of two, Greek allos other

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to ELSE

Synonyms: differently, otherwise, other (than)

Antonyms: likewise

 

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