Else
/els/
Definitions
2 meaningsUsed to introduce another possibility or a different person, thing, or time.
/els/
In addition to someone or something already mentioned; otherwise.
I don't want anything else.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're picking a movie. Your friend suggests a comedy. You can ask, 'What else looks good?' Meaning, are there other movies *besides* comedy that you might like.
👶 For kids: It means something extra or different. Like, "Do you want anything else besides juice?"
More Examples
Is there anyone else here?
What else did he say?
You can always try something else.
How It's Used
"What else do you want?"
"Who else was involved?"
Denoting someone or something different or further.
/els/
Different from, or other than.
Someone else can do that.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking about your best friend. You could say, 'Someone else is my friend.' That means another person that's not the first one.
👶 For kids: It means another one or something different. Like, 'Can I have someone else's toy?'
More Examples
I would prefer something else.
Whose book is this, or is it someone else's?
No one else knows this information.
How It's Used
"No one else knew the secret."
"Someone else's opinion matters too."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
or else
Used to express a threat or warning.
"Do as I say, or else!"
From Old English *elles* ('otherwise'), a genitive form of *elles* ('elsewhere'), related to Old Norse *ella* ('otherwise').
Appears in Old English texts as *elles* with similar meanings.
Memory tip
Think of it as 'something *besides* what's already mentioned.'
Word Origin
"otherwise"