What does other mean?
“Other” is a highly flexible English word used to compare, add, or identify alternatives. It can describe someone or something different from what has already been mentioned, as in “the other option,” or indicate an additional item, as in “other examples.” With “the,” it can refer to the remaining person or thing in a group: “Three students agreed, while the other two objected.” As a pronoun, “other” stands on its own and often appears in the plural form “others.” The phrase “on the other hand” introduces a contrasting point, while “the other day” means a recent day, usually one not precisely identified. In formal usage, “other than” can mean “apart from.” Although the word’s grammar can vary by context, its basic idea remains consistent: it marks what is different, additional, remaining, or contrary to what is already under discussion.
Different from, additional to, or remaining after the person or thing mentioned.
"The other candidate had a more detailed proposal."
In contemporary usage, “other” commonly functions as a determiner before a plural noun or a definite singular noun, especially in expressions such as “the other day.”
A person or thing that is different from, additional to, or remaining after one already mentioned.
"One team celebrated early, while the other kept playing."
The plural form “others” is commonly used to refer to additional or contrasting people or things: “Some agreed; others disagreed.”
In a different place, direction, manner, or respect.
"Move the chair to the other side of the room."
This use often occurs in fixed expressions such as “on the other hand” and “other than.”
Used when referring to people or things in addition to, or in contrast with, those already mentioned.
"Some visitors preferred the museum; others went to the gallery."
“Other” is the word that keeps comparisons in motion: it introduces what is different, what remains, or what comes next.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of other
The English word “other” descends from Old English “ōþer,” meaning “the other, a second, or a different one.” It continues Proto-Germanic “*ōþar,” which has relatives in Dutch “ander” and German “ander.” Its modern forms preserve several older meanings, including the sense of a second or additional person or thing. “Otherwise” and “either” reflect related developments in the same Germanic word family.
Related word forms
How other is actually used
As a determiner, “other” usually takes a plural noun or a noun marked with “the”: “the other people,” “the other day.” In formal comparisons, “other than” means “apart from” or “different from.” “Each other” is used for two people or things, while “one another” is more formal and can refer to more than two.
Easily confused with other
“Another” means an additional person or thing of the same kind, whereas “other” often means something different from one already mentioned or the remaining member of a group.