Other
ˈʌð.ər
Definitions
2 meaningsDifferent or distinct from one or some already mentioned.
ˈʌð.ər
Used to refer to a person or thing different from one already mentioned or known.
Please pass me the other fork.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have two cookies. You eat one. The 'other' cookie is the one that's left! It's the second one.
👶 For kids: When you have more than one thing, and you're talking about the rest of them, that's "other".
More Examples
She chose to go another way.
We can discuss other matters later.
How It's Used
"I have one book, and I need the other one."
"The teacher instructed the students to read the other chapters."
The remaining one or ones of two or more.
ˈʌð.ər
Used to refer to an additional person or thing; the second of two.
One option is to stay, the other is to go.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have two toys. You like one, and the 'other' is the one you don't have in your hand right now.
👶 For kids: If you have two toys, "other" means the one you didn't pick first.
More Examples
Some people like coffee, others prefer tea.
He's the one, the other isn't relevant.
How It's Used
"One friend is coming; the other has to work."
"I’ll take this shirt and the other."
Idioms & expressions
the other day
Recently; a few days ago.
"I saw her the other day."
other than
Except; besides.
"I have no interest in other than reading."
From Old English *ōther* and *ȳther*, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *anþeraz*, meaning 'the second' or 'different'. Related to words in other Germanic languages, indicating a shared linguistic origin.
The word 'other' has been in use in English since Old English. Its usage has remained largely consistent, referring to something different or additional.
Memory tip
Think of 'the other side of the coin.'