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Definition or else in British English

or else phrase

phrase
1

used for stating the second of two possibilities

Example

You could drive across France, or else fly to Geneva and hire a car.

Example

Either he's asleep, or else he's just ignoring me.

2

used for saying that there will be a bad result if someone does not do something or if something does not happen

Example

We must leave now or else we'll miss our train.

Example

Always check the oil level, or else you risk damaging the engine.

Synonyms and related words
3

used for threatening someone

Example

Give me back those letters or else I'll scream.

Example

You'd better do as we tell you, or else!

Synonyms and related words
4

used for saying that something must be true, because the situation would be different if it were not true

Example

You know I really care about you, or else I wouldn't be here.

Example

I'm sure they're safe, or else we'd have heard something.

Synonyms and related words
Definition or else in British English