rather ... than otherwise Definition

otherwise
conj

1. Or else; if not.

adverb

1. In other respects.

Example: He is good at languages but otherwise not very bright
Thesaurus: on the other hand, in other respects, with this exception.
2. In a different way.

Example: couldn't act otherwise than as she did
Thesaurus: in another way, differently, contrarily, oppositely.
3. Under different circumstances.

Example: might otherwise have been late

adj

1. Different.

Example: The truth is otherwise

Idiom: or otherwise

Or the opposite; or not.
Example: Check all cars, fast or otherwise

Idiom: rather ... than otherwise

Rather ... than not.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon othre wisan in other wise or manner.