Elsewise

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈɛlswaɪz/

Definitions

1. In a way that presents an alternative perspective or option, suggesting a different approach or consideration to a prior statement or idea
2. As an alternative to a previously presented notion, indicating a different possibility or way of thinking about a subject
3. In a manner that differs from what was previously mentioned or assumed

Etymology: "Elsewise" is a plain compound: "else" joined to the suffix "-wise," which means "in the manner of." So the whole word means "in other ways," or "otherwise." The "else" half comes from Old English "elles," and it traces back through Proto-Germanic to an Indo-European root that also gave English "other," since both words descend from a sense of "beyond" or "another." The second half, "-wise," goes back to Proto-Germanic "*wīsaz," meaning "manner" or "way," and it is the same ending found in "likewise," "clockwise," and "lengthwise." Old English had "-wīs" as a suffix from the start, so "else" and "-wise" were each already English before the two were put together.

Synonyms: otherwise, alternatively