Definition

1. Adverb:

   • At the present time: Refers to the current moment or period.
   • Immediately, without delay: Indicates that something should happen or be done right away.
   • In the immediate past: Refers to a very recent time.
   • Used to introduce a statement, command, or to get attention: Functions as a discourse marker to signal a change of topic or to emphasize a point.
   • Under the present circumstances: Given the current situation.

2. Noun:

   • The present time or moment: Refers to the current instant.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb:

  • I am busy now. (Indicating the present moment.)
  • Do your homework now. (Indicating immediately, without delay.)
  • She was here just now. (Indicating the immediate past.)
  • Now, listen carefully. (Introducing a command or getting attention.)
  • Now that you mention it, I remember. (Referring to the present circumstances.)

• Noun:

  • The time for action is now. (Referring to the present moment.)

Advanced Usage

• "Now and then" / "Now and again": Occasionally, from time to time.

  • I like to visit that café now and then.

• "Now, now": Used to express mild disapproval, caution, or comfort.

  • Now, now, don't be upset.

• "Now that": Because, since (used to introduce a reason based on a current situation).

  • Now that the rain has stopped, we can go out.

• "Any time now": Very soon, imminently.

  • The bus should arrive any time now.

• "As of now" / "Effective now": Starting from this moment.

  • The new policy is in effect as of now.

Variants and Related Words

• Nowadays (adv): In these present times, in contrast to the past.

  • People nowadays rely heavily on technology.

• Nowhere (adv): Not in or to any place.

  • He was nowhere to be found.

• Nowhere (n): A place that is remote, uninteresting, or non-existent.

  • The town was in the middle of nowhere.

Synonyms

• At present: Currently.
• Immediately: Instantly, right away.
• Currently: At this time.
• Presently: Soon, or (in some usage) at the present time.

Related Phrases

• Here and now: At this very moment and place; the present reality.

  • We need to deal with the problem here and now.

• For now: Temporarily, until a later time.

  • This solution will work for now.

• Up to now / Until now: Up until the present moment.

  • Up to now, everything has gone according to plan.

Idioms

• Now or never: A final chance to do something.

  • It's now or never if you want to apply for that job.

• (Every) now and again: Same as "now and then"; occasionally.

  • He checks his phone every now and again.

• Now you're talking: An expression of approval or agreement with what has just been said.

  • "Let's order pizza." "Now you're talking!"

Adverb

1. in the immediate past
   • told me just now
2. (prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity
   • Now the next problem is...
3. without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
   • he answered immediately
   • found an answer straightaway
   • an official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith
   • Come here now!
4. at the present moment
   • goods now on sale
   • the now-aging dictator
   • they are now abroad
   • he is busy at present writing a new novel
   • it could happen any time now
5. used to preface a command or reproof or request
   • now hear this!
   • now pay attention
6. in these times
   • it is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished- Nancy Mitford
   • we now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets
   • today almost every home has television
7. in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
   • President Kennedy now calls in the National Guard
   • Washington now decides to cross the Delaware
   • the ship is now listing to port

Noun

1. the momentary present
   • Now is a good time to do it
   • it worked up to right now