else

else

W1S1 [els] adv

[: Old English; Origin: elles]

1.) [used after words beginning with 'some-', 'every-', 'any-', and 'no-', and after question words]

a) besides or in addition to someone or something

▪ There's something else I'd like to talk about as well.

▪ I'd like you to come, and anyone else who's free.

▪ He was awake now, as was everyone else.

▪ Who else was at the party?

▪ 'Two coffees, please.' 'Anything else?' 'No, thanks.'

▪ Above all else (=more than any other things) she was seeking love.

b) used to talk about a different person, thing, place etc

▪ He went to live with another woman.

▪ I'd like to live anywhere else but here.

▪ If I can't trust you, who else can I trust?

2.) or elsespoken

a) used to say that there will be a bad result if someone does not do something

▪ Hurry up or else we'll miss the train.

b) used to say what another possibility might be

▪ The salesman will reduce the price or else include free insurance.

c) used to threaten someone

▪ Hand over the money, or else!

see usage note ↑unless

3.) BrE spoken used after a question word to say that the thing, person, or place you have mentioned is the only one possible

▪ 'What are you doing?' 'Waiting for you, what else?'

4.) what else can sb do/say?

spoken used to say that it is impossible to do or say anything apart from what has been mentioned

▪ 'Will you really sell the house? ' 'What else can I do? I can't live here.'

→if nothing else at ↑nothing¹ (11)

→be sth else at ↑something