Suffix · forms adverbs
From Old English "wise" (manner, way): converts nouns and adjectives into adverbs of manner. Otherwise, likewise, clockwise, contrariwise, streetwise.
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
-wise comes from Old English "wīse" (manner, way). It converts nouns and adjectives into adverbs of manner. likewise = in the same manner ("I will do likewise"). otherwise = in a different manner, or else. clockwise = in the direction of clock hands. crosswise = transversally, across. streetwise = experienced in the ways of the street (adjective).
In Through the Looking-Glass (1871), Tweedledee corrects Alice with "Contrariwise!" (= on the contrary, in the opposite manner). This word became iconic in English literature. "contrariwise" = in a contrary manner, on the other hand. Used in elevated or ironic speech. Other literary -wise words: "nowise" = in no way, not at all (archaic/formal). "sidewise" = sideways, to one side.
In modern English, -wise became very productive in informal speech: "budget-wise" (as regards budget), "career-wise" (regarding career), "weather-wise" (as for the weather). "How are we doing, budget-wise?" "Career-wise, this is a great move." This pattern is now standard in educated speech despite older prescriptivist objections.
Noun / adjective + wise. Produces adverbs of manner.
The informal productive use ("budget-wise," "career-wise") is standard in modern spoken and written English.
-wise/waɪz/ · rhymes with prize
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
"otherwise" has two senses: 1) in a different manner; 2) or else, if not. The second is more common in modern English.
"Turn clockwise" (to the right, like clock hands). "Turn counterclockwise" (to the left). Common everyday directions.
A trick to remember it
-wise = "in the manner of / in the direction of." Key words: otherwise, likewise, clockwise. Literary gem: "contrariwise" (Lewis Carroll). Informal modern use: "budget-wise," "career-wise."
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"Contrariwise" was made famous by...
Exercise 3 · Form the word
The suffix -wise from Old English "wise" (manner, way): converts nouns and adjectives into adverbs of manner. Otherwise, likewise, clockwise, contrariwise, streetwise. In Spanish it usually maps to -mente / en sentido de.
The ending -wise is pronounced /waɪz/ · rhymes with prize. For example, "otherwise".
"other" becomes "otherwise". It is a typical example of the -wise suffix.
From Old English "-feald" (layer, fold): forms multipliers. Tenfold = ten times; manifold = multiple; twofold = double. Very common in journalism and formal prose.
From Old Norse "líkr" (similar): forms adjectives meaning "resembling X" or "characteristic of X." Godlike, dreamlike, lifelike, warlike, childlike, ghostlike, wavelike, businesslike.
From Old English "-weard" (direction): forms adverbs and adjectives of direction or tendency. Inward, outward, forward, wayward, awkward.
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