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adverb, conjunction American English pronunciation: now /naʊ/
Now is used in the following ways:
as an adverb: We’d better leave now to get there on time. ♦ Now, what should we do next?
as a conjunctionwith “that”: Now that I’m married, I don’t go out in the evenings so much.
 
  1. 1
    at the present time

    He is now 48 years old.

    She’s been very sick, but she’s much better now.

    by/before now:

    The meeting should have finished by now.

    I’ve never been to a formal dinner party before now, and I’m not quite sure how to behave.

    from now on (=starting from the present time):

    Nancy will be working full-time from now on.

    as of now:

    The rule will take effect as of now.

    for now (=from now until some future time):

    Prices will remain unchanged for now.

    Goodbye for now.

    up to now/until now:

    Until now, we’ve had very mild weather this winter.

    right now:

    Right now I’m not interested in dating – I need to spend some time alone.

    not now:

    “Can I ask you a question?” “Not now – I’m busy.”

    now is the time/moment:

    Now is the time to look forward, make plans for the future, and work together.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  nowThesaurus entry for this meaning of now
  2. 2
    immediately, or very soon

    If everyone else is finished in the bathroom, I’ll take my shower now.

    right now:

    “Can you call me back?” “No, I need to talk to you right now.”

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  nowThesaurus entry for this meaning of now
  3. 3
    used for saying how long it is since something happened or started

    It’s been three years now since I moved to Colorado.

    The farm workers have been there for about two weeks now.

  4. 4
    as a result of something
    1. a.
      used when you are saying that something happens as a result of something else

      Having inherited the money, she knew that things would now be much better.

      now (that):

      Now that the war is over, there is a lot more food in the stores.

    2. b.
      used when you are saying that you understand something as a result of what you have been told or what has happened

      Now I see why she didn’t want to go with me – she was interested in George.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  nowThesaurus entry for this meaning of now
  5. 5
    used in stories to mean at a particular time in the story

    We ran down the road and past the house, which was now hidden in the darkness.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  nowThesaurus entry for this meaning of now
  6. 6
    spoken used for giving emphasis to a request, order, or comment

    Now come on, tell me what’s been happening.

    Don’t forget now – call me tomorrow.

    Now that’s what I like about Harry – he’s always cheerful.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  nowThesaurus entry for this meaning of now
  7. 7
    used for getting someone’s attention or introducing information spoken
    1. a.
      used when you want to get people’s attention or to show that you are going to talk about something new

      Now, listen everybody.

      Now, about next week’s program – we’ve had to make a few changes.

      now then:

      Now then, are there any more questions?

    2. b.
      used for introducing information that you think someone needs to know in order to understand the story that you are telling

      He was 20 when he moved to the city. Now, you have to remember that was 30 years ago.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  nowThesaurus entry for this meaning of now

phrases

This is the American English definition of now. View British English definition of now.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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