adverb

autrement

differently

D'une manière différente ou d'une autre façon.

Word: autrement

Meaning:
The French adverb autrement primarily means "differently," "otherwise," or "in another way."


Explanation

  • The word autrement is formed from autre (meaning "other") + the suffix -ment (which turns adjectives into adverbs, similar to "-ly" in English).
  • It is used to indicate a different manner, method, or alternative option.

Usage and Synonyms

  1. In a different way / differently

    • Il faut faire ça autrement.
      (You have to do it differently.)
    • Synonyms: différemment, d'une autre manière
    • Antonyms: pareillement (similarly), de la même façon (in the same way)
  2. Otherwise / else / or else

    • Dépêche-toi, autrement tu vas manquer le train.
      (Hurry up, otherwise you'll miss the train.)
    • This meaning implies a consequence happening if something is not done as asked.

Summary

AspectExplanation
Part of speechAdverb
Rootsautre (other) + -ment (adverbial suffix)
Primary meaningsDifferently; Otherwise
Synonymsdifféremment, d'une autre manière
Typical usageDescribing a different method or an alternative

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Examples

Peux-tu dire cela autrement ?adverb

Can you say that differently?

Explique cette idée autrement, s'il te plaît.adverb

Please explain this idea differently.

Les choses auraient pu se passer autrement si nous avions parlé plus tôt.adverb

Things could have gone differently if we had talked earlier.

Je préfère réfléchir autrement avant de prendre une décision.adverb

I prefer to think differently before making a decision.

Ils ont agi autrement parce qu’ils étaient inquiets.adverb

They acted differently because they were worried.

Ils ont agi autrement.adverb

They acted differently.

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