now

The word “now” means at this present moment. In plain terms, right at this moment, or (as a linking word) introducing a new point.

“Now” is pronounced now (/naʊ/ in IPA).

Here is “now” used in a sentence: “I need to leave now or I'll miss the train.”

Depending on how it is used, “now” can be an adverb and a conjunction.

The word “now” comes from Old English. From Old English nū, going back to the Proto-Indo-European root for "now" — one of the oldest words in the language, found in nearly identical form across many Indo-European languages.

“Now” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Now” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: at this present moment.

'Now' refers to the present moment — what is happening at this time. 'Then' refers to another time, either past or future, as in 'back then' or 'see you then.' They are natural opposites: 'now' anchors you in the present, while 'then' points to a different moment on the timeline.

Both describe the present, but 'now' is immediate and informal — 'call me now.' 'Currently' is more formal and suggests an ongoing situation rather than a single instant — 'she is currently studying abroad.' You would say 'do it now,' not 'do it currently.'

There is no single opposite, but 'then' and 'later' both contrast with 'now.' 'Then' points to another time, past or future; 'later' specifically means after the present moment. 'In the past' and 'in the future' are fuller opposites when you want to stress an entirely different time.

In 'we need to leave now,' 'now' tells you the action should happen at the present moment. It can also mark a change — 'I understand now' — or open a sentence to shift attention: 'now, let's begin.' Each use points to the present in some way.