now

1. 1
   adverb

   At this time, often meaning things are different from before, as in 'the village is now a suburb'.

   When I was a child I hated fish, but now I love it.

   We all now want the latest gadgets.

2. 2
   adverb

   Right away, with no waiting, often used when telling or asking someone to do something.

   Put your shoes on now, or we'll miss the bus!

   Please call the doctor now, because Grandpa can't breathe well.

   UsageSay right now to make it stronger.

   Similarimmediately, instantly

   Oppositelater

   Note
3. 3
   well thenadverb

   Said at the start of a sentence to get attention or move to a new point, as in 'Now, listen.'

   Now, before we start the game, does everyone know the rules?

   Now, let's move on to the second part of the plan.

   UsageOften followed by a comma in writing: Now, listen carefully.

   Similarwell, so

   Note
4. 4
   sinceconjunction

   Because something has changed, as in 'now that school is over'.

   Now that I have a bike, I can ride to school with my friends.

   Now the holidays are over, we have to get up early again.

   UsageSay now that you mention it when someone's words make you remember something.

   Similarsince, as

   Note
5. 5
   noununcountable

   This moment or the present time, as in 'from now on' or 'live in the now'.

   Now is a good time to call her, before she leaves for work.

   Up until now, I had never seen the sea.

   UsageSay from now on, by now, until now.

   Note
6. 6
   adverb

   At this point in a story, as in 'now he remembered'.

   She opened the letter, and now she understood why he had left.

   The rain had stopped, and the children could now go outside to play.

   UsageIn stories, now can go with past verbs: she now knew.

   Similarthen

   Note
7. 7
   adjective

   Current at the time being discussed or when something was written.

   I met my now wife at a friend's party.

   Her now boyfriend was just a classmate back then.

   UsageUse it before a noun when looking back: I met my now wife at school, before we were married.

   Similarcurrent, present

   Oppositeformer

   Note

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