now

naʊ

naw

/naʊ/

Definition & Meaning of "now"in English

now

ADVERB

at this moment or time

at present

currently

presently

at the moment

right now

Examples

I am cooking dinner now, but we can watch a movie after dinner.

Keep it quiet, the children are sleeping now.

1.1

in the current era

now

nowadays

today

in this day and age

these days

Examples

People now rely heavily on technology for their daily tasks.

Working from home is now a common practice for many employees.

1.2

at this point in the narration of past events

Examples

Now he picks up the sword and prepares for the final battle.

She enters the room and now sees her long-lost friend standing there.

1.3

used to refer to the latest in a series of annoying events

Examples

What else is going to mess things up now?

Now, the car wo n’t start after everything else that ’s gone wrong today.

1.4

used to emphasize the passage of time or the duration of an event or situation

Examples

It ’s been hours now, and we still have n’t received any updates.

I ’ve been waiting for you now for over an hour!

immediately, without any delay

at once

directly

forthwith

immediately

instantaneously

Examples

You need to leave now if you want to catch the train.

Call the doctor now; it ’s an emergency.

in light of the present situation or conditions

under the circumstances

Examples

Now I realize what you were trying to tell me.

It is now clear that the proposal requires significant changes.

used to signal a shift in conversation or activity, introducing a new direction or focus

Examples

Now, let ’s talk about the upcoming event.

We turn our attention to the financial report now.

used to pause or signal hesitation, often when considering something before responding or acting

Examples

Let me think about that for a moment now.

Should we proceed with the plan, now, or reconsider it?

used to highlight a question, request, command, or instruction with urgency

Examples

Now, tell me exactly what happened during the meeting.

Now, listen carefully to the instructions before proceeding.

used at the end of a question to express surprise, doubt, or irony

Examples

He finished the project on time, huh? Did he now?

She thinks she can sing better than anyone in the class, really? Can she now?

used to indicate something happening intermittently or alternately

Examples

Now one player is leading, now another, keeping the game exciting.

She was, now calm and composed, now filled with excitement.

now

CONJUNCTION

used to indicate a result or outcome related to what has just been said or happened

because

since

given that

that

Examples

Now that you've finished your work, you can take a break.

We can start the project now that we have the approval.

Now

NOUN

the present moment

here and now

moment

nowadays

present

present moment

Examples

Let ’s focus on the now, not on what happened before.

The past is gone, and the future is uncertain, but the now is all we have.

now

ADJECTIVE

describing something that is in fashion, up to date, or popular at the present moment

fashionable

in fashion

up-to-date

Examples

The now color palette for spring features bright, bold hues.

Designers are showcasing the now trends in minimalistic interior design.

Nearby Words

Definition & Meaning of "now"in English

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