Else — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb adjective /ˈel(t)s/

Meaning & Definition of Else

Else (adverb)

  1. in a different manner or place or at a different time
  2. in an additional manner or place or at an additional time
  3. if not, otherwise —used absolutely to express a threat

Else (adjective)

  1. other:
  2. being different in identity
  3. being in addition

Else (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in a different way

    "if you could do it over again, how else would you have done it?"

    similar: differently, other (than), otherwise
    related: dissimilarly, diversely, variously
    opposite: likewise
    near: similarly

Else (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. resulting in an increase in amount or number

    "is there anything else you would like to add to your list?"

    similar: added, additional, another, farther, fresh, further, more, other
    related: accessory, adjunct, collateral, extraneous, peripheral, side, supplemental, supplementary, new, excess, extra, plus, spare, supernumerary, supervenient, surplus, complementary, contributory
    near: fewer, less

Related Entry: Something else (phrase)

Something else is a different word from Else. The synonyms below are for something else, not for else.

  1. something very good of its kind

    "That gourmet meal was really something else!"

    similar: beaut, beauty, bee's knees, cat's meow, corker, crackerjack, daisy, dandy, dilly, doozy, dream, honey, hot stuff, humdinger, hummer, jim-dandy, knockout, lollapalooza, lulu (slang), nifty, peach, pip, pippin, ripper, ripsnorter, snorter, sockdolager, standout, sweetheart
    related: marvel, phenomenon, prodigy, sensation, wonder, catch, crown jewel, diamond, gem, imperial, jewel, pearl, plum, treasure
    near: bust, disappointment, dud, failure, flop, lemon, letdown, loser, stinker, turkey

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Else

The most common words with a similar meaning to Else:

differently, other (than), otherwise, added, additional, another, farther, fresh, further, more, other

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Else

Words with the opposite meaning of Else:

likewise

Related Words for Else

dissimilarly, diversely, variously, accessory, adjunct, collateral, extraneous, peripheral, side, supplemental, supplementary, new, excess, extra, plus, spare, supernumerary, supervenient, surplus, complementary, contributory

Near Antonyms of Else

similarly, fewer, less

Origin & Etymology of Else

Middle English elles, going back to Old English elles, adverbial use of genitive singular neuter of elle "other," going back to Germanic *alja- "other" (whence, with parallel formation, Old High German alles, elles "else," Gothic aljis), going back to Indo-European *h2el-i̯o-, whence also Latin alius "other," Old Irish aile, Middle Welsh eil "second," Greek állos "other," Armenian ayl, Tocharian B allek "other, another"

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Else

Words & Phrases Containing Else

something else, anybody else, anyone else, anywhere else, apart from anything else, if nothing else, if/when all else fails, nothing else

Frequently Asked Questions about Else

What does "Else" mean?

"Else" means in a different manner or place or at a different time. As an an adverb and an adjective, it is defined as: in a different manner or place or at a different time. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Else"?

Other words for "Else" include differently, other (than), otherwise, added, additional, another, farther and fresh. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Else" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Else"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Else". Common alternatives include differently, other (than), otherwise, added, additional, another, farther, fresh, further and more.

What is the opposite of "Else"?

Antonyms of "Else" include likewise. Near antonyms include similarly, fewer and less.

How do you use "Else" in a sentence?

Examples of "Else" in a sentence: "if you could do it over again, how else would you have done it?"; "is there anything else you would like to add to your list?".

Is "Else" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Else" can be used as an adverb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Else" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Else" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Else"?

"Else" is pronounced /ˈel(t)s/.