How to pronounce otherwise
Say it like UHTH-er-wyze. Otherwise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHTH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce otherwise. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHTH
- er
- wyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Otherwise pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHTHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- wyzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of otherwise
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHTH-uh-wyze.
What does otherwise mean?
- in other respects or ways“he is otherwise normal”“the funds are not otherwise available”
- in another and different manner“very soon you will know differently”“she thought otherwise”
- other than as supposed or expected“the outcome was otherwise”
Where does otherwise come from?
From Middle English otherwise, othre wise, from Old English on ōþre wīsan (literally “in (on) other/different manner”); equivalent to other + -wise.
Questions about saying otherwise
How do you pronounce otherwise?
Say UHTH-er-wyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌðɚˌwaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈʌðəˌwaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in otherwise?
Otherwise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHTH). Broken into parts: UHTH · er · wyze.
Is otherwise pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈʌðəˌwaɪz/ (UHTH-uh-wyze).