else — in addition; besides; otherwise; if not
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in addition; besides; otherwise; if not
Pronunciation (IPA): /els/
Example Sentences
- I forgot my homework again. What else is new?
- Study hard, or else you'll fail the TEPS exam.
- My phone died, so I had nothing else to do but actually talk to people.
else
ADVERB[/els/]
in addition; besides; otherwise; if not
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'else' derives from Old English 'elles', meaning 'otherwise' or 'in another way'. It originates from Germanic language roots, sharing cognates with Old Saxon 'ellis' and Old High German 'ellies', all rooted in Proto-Germanic with the sense of 'otherwise' or 'at other times'.
Breakdown
Old English 'elles' (otherwise, at other times) → Modern English 'else'. The suffix -es in the original form indicates an adverbial ending, which was gradually reduced to the modern 'else' through sound erosion in Middle English.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I forgot my homework again. What else is new?”
“Study hard, or else you'll fail the TEPS exam.”
“My phone died, so I had nothing else to do but actually talk to people.”
“Is there anything else you need from the store?”
📚Related Words
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