Now Meaning

UK /naʊ/
US /naʊ/
Word Definition
now meaning

Now Definition & Usage

adverb

At the present moment, or immediately.

Examples

  • "I need to leave now or I'll be late."
  • "Can we discuss it now, or do you need more time?"
  • "She's not answering her phone right now."
  • "Now is the perfect time to start your new project."
  • "I don't think this is something we should discuss right now."
noun

The present time or moment.

Examples

  • "We are living in the now, not the past."
  • "Let’s focus on the now, not what happened before."
  • "The now is all we have, so make the most of it."
  • "She always lives in the now, never worrying about the future."
  • "They remind us to stay present in the now."
interjection

Used to prompt immediate action or indicate urgency.

Examples

  • "Now, let’s get down to business."
  • "Now, don’t you go forgetting this!"
  • "Now, pay attention, everyone."
  • "Now, we can finally relax."
  • "I told you to do it now, not later!"
conjunction

Indicating the immediate transition from one action to another.

Examples

  • "She finished her homework, and now she's going to bed."
  • "The rain stopped, and now the sun is shining."
  • "Now that we’ve discussed the plans, let’s get to work."
  • "He’s done with his work, and now he’s off to meet his friends."
  • "Now, having completed the project, I can finally relax."

Cultural Context

The word 'now' has been a part of the English language for centuries, originating from Old English 'nu'. It is used to convey the immediacy of time, often stressing the importance of the present moment. In modern usage, 'now' can also serve as a prompt for action or attention, playing a key role in everyday communication and in contexts that require quick responses.

The Moment of Change

Story

The Moment of Change

It was a calm evening when Emily sat on the porch, staring out into the horizon. Her life had always been about planning—carefully orchestrated schedules and predictable routines. But something about today felt different. As she sipped her tea, she couldn’t shake the feeling that now, right now, was the time for a change. Her phone buzzed on the table, interrupting her thoughts. It was a message from an old friend: 'Come to the city tomorrow, I have something to show you.' Without thinking, Emily replied, 'I’m coming now.' The decision was made in an instant. She packed her bag, grabbed her keys, and stepped into her car. The journey felt like a turning point. It was no longer about waiting for the right time—it was about acting in the now. As she drove, the road stretched before her, and Emily thought about the past. So many moments had passed her by while she had been waiting for perfection. But now, as she drove forward, she understood: the now was all she had. And that was enough. She arrived in the city and met her friend, who smiled and handed her a small package. 'I thought you'd appreciate this now.' Emily opened it to find a photo of their younger selves, a symbol of all the times they’d shared. They laughed and reminisced about the past, but Emily realized something crucial in that moment. She had been living for the future, waiting for everything to align. But now, in the present, she had everything she needed. The 'now' was her chance, her opportunity. She smiled, knowing that this was the start of something new, something she'd embraced with both hands.

The Moment of Change