now

adverb

• 1at the present time or moment:where are you living now? it’s the most popular style of jazz right now not now, I’m late they should be back by now
• at the time directly following the present moment; immediately:if we leave now we can be home by ten I’d rather do it now than leave it till later
• under the present circumstances; as a result of something that has recently happened:it is now clear that we should not pursue this policy I didn’t receive the letter, but it hardly matters now
• on this further occasion, typically as the latest in a series of annoying situations or events:what do you want now?
• used to emphasize a particular length of time:they’ve been married four years now
• (in a narrative or account of past events) at the time spoken of or referred to:she was nineteen now, and she was alone

• 2used, especially in conversation, to draw attention to a particular statement or point in a narrative:now, my first impulse was to run away I don’t like Scotch. Now, if it had been Irish Whiskey you’d offered me

• 3used in a request, instruction, or question, typically to give a slight emphasis to one’s words:we can hardly send her back, now can we? run along now
• used when pausing or considering one’s next words:let me see now, oh yes, I remember

• 4used at the end of an ironic question echoing a previous statement:‘Mum says you might let me have some of your stamps.’ ‘Does she now?’

conjunction

• as a consequence of the fact:they spent a lot of time together now that he had retired now you mention it, I haven’t seen her around for ages

adjective

• fashionable or up to date:see more of what’s now during our autumn catwalk show