Definition

1. Adverb:

   • At the present time; in these times: Used to refer to the current period or era, often in contrast to the past.

2. Noun:

   • The present time; the current period: The period of time that is happening now, including the moment of speech.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb:

  • Nowadays, most people communicate using smartphones.
  • We now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets.
  • It is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished.

• Noun:

  • The book contrasts life in the 19th century with the complexities of nowadays.
  • That is enough for the present; let's focus on nowadays.

Advanced Usage

• "In/for nowadays": Used to specify something is characteristic of or suitable for the current time.
  • His ideas are quite radical for nowadays.
• Contrasting with the past: Often used to highlight changes or developments.
  • Nowadays we take air travel for granted, but it was a luxury a few decades ago.

Variants and Related Words

• Today (adv/n): Can be used similarly to "nowadays," though "today" often refers more specifically to the current day or a very recent period.
• Presently (adv): At the present time; soon. (Note: In some contexts, "presently" can mean "soon," which differs from "nowadays.")
• Currently (adv): At the present time.
• In modern times: A more formal phrase with a similar meaning.

Synonyms

• These days
• At present
• In this day and age
• Currently

Related Phrases

• In today's world: In the world as it exists now.
  • In today's world, digital literacy is essential.
• As of now: Starting from this point in time.
  • As of now, the new policy is in effect.

Adverb

1. 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

Noun

1. the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
   • that is enough for the present
   • he lives in the present with no thought of tomorrow