"Otherwise" is a term used to indicate an alternative situation or condition. It often suggests that if one thing does not happen or is not true, then something different will occur. For example, if someone says, "You need to study; otherwise, you might fail the exam," it implies that studying is necessary to avoid failure. In literature and conversation, "otherwise" can also introduce a contrasting idea. It helps clarify the consequences of actions or decisions. For instance, in the phrase, "She was tired; otherwise, she would have joined us," it highlights that her fatigue prevented her from participating in an activity.