What does now mean?
Now is one of the most common English adverbs and refers to the present moment or current period: “The shop is now open.” It can also mean “immediately,” especially in commands such as “Please answer now,” and it may introduce a statement in speech or informal writing. In the construction “now that,” it links a present situation to its consequence: “Now that the train has arrived, we can board.” The word is neutral in register and is equally familiar in British and American English. Although its basic meaning is temporal, “now” can also describe something characteristic of the present age, as in “the now-famous author.” Together with “then,” it helps organize events by time, but unlike “then,” it consistently directs attention to the present rather than a past or future point.
At the present time or moment; in the current period.
"The service is now available throughout the country."
This is the dominant modern sense and is neutral in formal and informal contexts.
Immediately or without further delay.
"If the alarm rings, leave the building now."
This sense is especially common in commands, warnings, and urgent requests.
In the current circumstances or as a result of the present situation.
"Now that everyone has arrived, we can begin."
Used with a clause introduced by “that,” it describes a present situation and what it makes possible.
Used to draw attention to what is being said or to introduce an instruction or observation.
"Now, take a careful look at the second column."
This use is particularly common in speech, informal writing, and instructional contexts.
The word now points to the present instant, but its history reaches back to Old English, where it already carried the sense “at this time.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does now come from?
The word comes from Old English nū, meaning “at this time” or “at present.” It continues an older Germanic form associated with the same temporal concept and is cognate with German nun, Dutch nu, and Old Norse nú. English developed additional senses such as “immediately” and “now that,” while the older noun sense, referring to the present moment, survives mainly in literary and poetic usage.
How now is actually used
In everyday use, “now” is neutral and commonly expresses the present moment. In requests such as “Do it now,” it can convey urgency or impatience. “Now that” introduces a present situation and its consequence; in formal writing, “now that” is widely accepted. The interjection use is especially common in speech, informal prose, and instructions.
Easily confused with now
Now indicates the present moment, while know means to have information or understanding about something.
Now refers to the present moment, whereas new describes something recently made, acquired, or introduced.