nowadays
NOW-uh-dayz
Nowadays (adv) means In the present time, as opposed to the past. Example: “Children spend far more time looking at screens nowadays than their grandparents ever did.”
adv
1
In the present time, as opposed to the past.
"Cars nowadays are more efficient."
"Children spend far more time looking at screens nowadays than their grandparents ever did."
"I rarely write letters nowadays, because it is easier to send a message."
"My favourite reading nowadays is Pulse, one of the house magazines for GPs."
— Dick Vinegar, What makes doctors tick? (2012)
"Nowadays most people book their holidays online."
How to use nowadays
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThese days; in modern times, in contrast with how things used to be.
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Etymology
From Middle English, literally "now" + "adays" (meaning "in these days").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for nowadays
See all rhymes for nowadays →Frequently asked questions
What does “nowadays” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “nowadays”?
“Nowadays” is pronounced NOW-uh-dayz (/ˈnaʊ.ə.deɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “nowadays” in a sentence?
Here is “nowadays” used in a sentence: “Nowadays most people book their holidays online.”
What part of speech is “nowadays”?
“Nowadays” is an adverb.
Where does the word “nowadays” come from?
The word “nowadays” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, literally "now" + "adays" (meaning "in these days").
Is “nowadays” a common word?
“Nowadays” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "nowadays" and "now"?
"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.
What is the difference between "nowadays" and "these days"?
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.
Where should "nowadays" go in a sentence?
"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.
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