now

—nowness, n.

/now/, adv.

1. at the present time or moment: You are now using a dictionary.

2. without further delay; immediately; at once: Either do it now or not at all.

3. at this time or juncture in some period under consideration or in some course of proceedings described: The case was now ready for the jury.

4. at the time or moment immediately past: I saw him just now on the street.

5. in these present times; nowadays: Now you rarely see horse-drawn carriages.

6. under the present or existing circumstances; as matters stand: I see now what you meant.

7. (used to introduce a statement or question): Now, you don't really mean that.

8. (used to strengthen a command, entreaty, or the like): Now stop that!

9. now and again, occasionally. Also, now and then.

10. now that, inasmuch as; since: Now that she is rich and famous, she is constantly being besieged by appeals for aid.

conj.

11. inasmuch as; since: Now you're here, why not stay for dinner?

n.

12. the present time or moment: Up to now no one has volunteered.

adj.

13. up-to-the-minute; encompassing the latest ideas, fads, or fashions: the now look; the now generation.

[bef. 900; 1965-70 for def. 13; ME; OE nu, c. ON, Goth nu; akin to G nun, L num, Skt nu, Gk nú, nûn]

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