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divbzero • today at 4:27 AM • 2 replies • view on HN

‘Else’ is not commonly used in English today but the meaning does fit. From Webster’s (1913):

Else, adverb or conjunction

1. Besides; except that mentioned; in addition; as, nowhere else; no one else.

2. Otherwise; in the other, or the contrary, case; if the facts were different.

“For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it.” – Ps. li. 16.

After ‘or’, else is sometimes used expletively, as simply noting an alternative. “Will you give thanks, … or else shall I?” – Shak.


Replies

isityettime • today at 5:26 AM

You can also say "elsewise", which to me still sounds a little old school, but more natural than just using "else" like we do in programming languages.

It's almost tempting to reach for "elsewhen" or "elsewhy", since we have "elsewhere". But if saying "elsewise" feels like chatting with a very elderly relative, saying those ones feels more like a seance with distant ancestors. But apparently it used to be a thing!

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/elsewho#English

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/elsewhither#English

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/elsewhence#English

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/elsehow#English

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/elsewards#English

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/elsewhat#English

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/otherwhat#English

TulliusCicero • today at 5:40 AM

Except for the phrase "or else!"

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