the meaning of "otherwise"

Seiichi MYOGA said:

Do you agree both students are right?

Click to expand...

Seiichi MYOGA said:

Hi,

Imagine you ask two students, "What does the word "otherwise" mean in (1)?" and that one student says it is (2a) and the other says it is (2b).

(1) If the light is red, stop. Otherwise, go straight on.
(2) a. If the light is other than red
b.Except if (or when) the light is red

Do you agree both students are right?

Thank you in advance
Seiichi MYOGA

P.S.
I'm not asking about the possible paraphrase(s) but the meaning, of the word "otherwise."

Click to expand...

2010 said:

===Not a teacher===

1. If the light is red, stop. Otherwise (if not), go straight on.

Otherwise = If not.

2. When the light is red, stop. Otherwise (or else), go straight on.

Otherwise = Or else.

Click to expand...

Raymott said:

I agree, but your second example is somewhat ambiguous with "or else".
2. "When the light is red, stop.Or else, go straight on."
That is, stop if you want to, or else go straight on - which I know is not your meaning.

Otherwise = in all other cases.

Click to expand...