Definition Definition

now - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'now' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Now [ a.]
- Existing at the present time; present.
2 . Now [ adv.]
- At the present time; at this moment; at the time of speaking; instantly; as, I will write now.
- Very lately; not long ago.
- At a time contemporaneous with something spoken of or contemplated; at a particular time referred to.
- In present circumstances; things being as they are; -- hence, used as a connective particle, to introduce an inference or an explanation.
3 . Now [ n.]
- The present time or moment; the present.

Meaning of 'now' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . now [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the momentary present
Example in sentence:
  • it worked up to right now;
  • Now is a good time to do it
2 . now [ r]
Meaning (2):
- without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
Example in sentence:
  • an official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith;
  • Come here now!;
  • found an answer straightaway;
  • he answered immediately
Meaning (3):
- at the present moment
Example in sentence:
  • goods now on sale;
  • he is busy at present writing a new novel;
  • it could happen any time now;
  • the now-aging dictator;
  • the transmission screen shows the picture that is actually on the air;
  • they are now abroad
Meaning (4):
- in these times
Example in sentence:
  • it is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished;
  • today almost every home has television;
  • we now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets
Meaning (5):
- used to preface a command or reproof or request
Example in sentence:
  • now hear this!;
  • now pay attention
Meaning (6):
- (prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity
Example in sentence:
  • Now the next problem is...
Meaning (7):
- in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
Example in sentence:
  • President Kennedy now calls in the National Guard;
  • the ship is now listing to port;
  • Washington now decides to cross the Delaware
Meaning (8):
- in the immediate past
Example in sentence:
  • told me just now