now

 
Pronunciation: /naʊ/

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

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

Phrases

for now

until a later time: that’s all the news there is for now

now and again (or then)

from time to time: she walked quickly, pausing now and again for them to catch up

now now

used as an expression of mild remonstrance: now now, that’s not the way to behave

now ——, now ——

at one moment ——, at the next ——: a wind whipped about the house, now this way, now that

now or never

used to convey urgency: it was now or never—I had to move fast

now then

  • 1used to get someone’s attention or to invite a response: now then, who’s for a coffee?
  • 2used as an expression of mild remonstrance or warning: now then, Emily, I think Sarah has suffered enough

now you're talking

an expression of enthusiastic agreement or approval: The Beatles! Now you’re talking!

Derivatives

nowness

noun

Origin:

Old English nū, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch nu, German nun, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin nunc and Greek nun