nowadays

The word “nowadays” means in the present time, as opposed to the past. In plain terms, these days; in modern times, in contrast with how things used to be.

“Nowadays” is pronounced NOW-uh-dayz (/ˈnaʊ.ə.deɪz/ in IPA).

Here is “nowadays” used in a sentence: “Nowadays most people book their holidays online.”

“Nowadays” is an adverb.

The word “nowadays” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, literally "now" + "adays" (meaning "in these days").

“Nowadays” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

"Now" points to this exact moment ("I'm busy now"), while "nowadays" contrasts the present era with the past, meaning "in these times" ("Nowadays most people shop online"). Use "nowadays" when you are comparing how things are today with how they used to be.

Both mean "in the present period as opposed to the past," and they are largely interchangeable. "These days" feels slightly more casual and conversational, while "nowadays" sits comfortably in both everyday speech and semi-formal writing.

"Nowadays" normally sits at the start or the end of a sentence rather than in the middle ("Nowadays, people work from home" or "People work from home nowadays"). It is an adverb of time and does not need a comma when it comes at the end.