First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1now
adverb \ˈnau̇\
: at the present time
: in the next moment : very soon
: in the present situation
Full Definition of NOW
1
a : at the present time or moment b : in the time immediately before the present <thought of them just now> c : in the time immediately to follow : forthwith <come in now>
2
—used with the sense of present time weakened or lost to express command, request, or admonition <now hear this> <now you be sure to write>
3
—used with the sense of present time weakened or lost to introduce an important point or indicate a transition (as of ideas) <now, this may seem reasonable at first>
4
: sometimes <now one and now another>
5
: under the present circumstances
6
: at the time referred to <now the trouble began>
7
: by this time <has been teaching now for twenty years>
See now defined for English-language learners
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Origin of NOW
Middle English, from Old English nū; akin to Old High German nū now, Latin nunc, Greek nyn
Related to NOW
2now
conjunction
: since something is true : because of the fact that something happened
Full Definition of NOW
: in view of the fact that : since —often followed by that <now that we are here>
See now defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NOW
before 12th century
Related to NOW
- Synonyms
- as, as long as, because, being (as or as how or that) [chiefly dialect], 'cause, considering, for, inasmuch as, since, seeing, whereas
3now
noun
: the present time or moment
Full Definition of NOW
: the present time or moment <been ill up to now>
See now defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NOW
12th century
Related to NOW
- Synonyms
- here and now, moment, 1present, today
4now
adjective
Definition of NOW
1
: of or relating to the present time : existing <the now president>
2
a : excitingly new <now clothes> b : constantly aware of what is new <now people> <the now generation>
First Known Use of NOW
14th century
NOW
abbreviation
Definition of NOW
National Organization for Women
NOW Defined for Kids
1now
adverb \ˈnau̇\
Definition of NOW for Kids
1
: at this time <I am busy now.>
2
: immediately before the present time <They left just now.>
3
: in the time immediately to follow <Can you leave now?>
4
—used to express command or introduce an important point <Now, you listen to me.>
5
: sometimes <now one and now another>
6
: in the present circumstances <Now what should we do?>
7
: at the time referred to <Now the trouble began.>
— now and then
: from time to time : occasionally
2now
conjunction
Definition of NOW for Kids
: in view of the fact that : since <Now that we're all here, let's begin.>
3now
noun
Definition of NOW for Kids
: the present time <I've been busy up till now.>
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