current

The word “current” means happening or existing right now. In plain terms, either "happening now" (current events) or a moving flow of water, air, or electricity.

“Current” is pronounced KUH-ruhnt (/ˈkʌɹənt/ in IPA).

Here is “current” used in a sentence: “What is your current job title?”

Depending on how it is used, “current” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “current” comes from Latin. From Old French curant, present participle of courre, "to run," from Latin currere, "to run" — the same root as "currency" and "courier.".

“Current” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Current” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening or existing right now.

Current and currant sound identical but are unrelated. Current is usually an adjective meaning happening now, or a noun for a flow of water, air, or electricity. A currant is a small dried grape used in baking, or a type of soft berry. Only currant refers to the fruit — remember the 'a' for 'baking.'

Yes. As an adjective it means happening now, as in 'current events.' As a noun it means a continuous flow — of water in a river, air in the wind, or electricity in a wire. The two uses share the idea of the present moment or of something moving and ongoing.

The two are close synonyms and often interchangeable — 'current situation' and 'present situation' mean much the same. Current emphasises what is in effect or in use right now, while present simply points to this moment in time. Current also suits ongoing states, such as a current subscription or current account.

Common opposites include 'past,' 'former,' and 'previous,' which refer to what came before, and 'outdated' or 'obsolete,' which describe something no longer in use. Where current means up to date, its opposite is old-fashioned; where it means present, its opposite points backward in time.