What does “now” mean?
- 1
adverbat the present time
I’m busy now, can I call you later?
- 2
adverbimmediately
We need to leave now or we’ll be late.
- 3
conjunctionbecause something has happened
Now that the kids are older, we travel more.
Now at a glance
- Part of speech
- adverb & conjunction
- CEFR level
- A1 (beginner)
- Pronunciation
- /naʊ/ · NOW
How to use “now” correctly
“Just now” can mean a moment ago: “She called just now.” “Right now” means at this exact moment or immediately.
Common phrases with “now”
- right now
- just now
- from now on
- now and then
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- currently
- at the moment
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
“now” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- again adverbA1one more time; another time
- ago adverbA1before now; used to say how far back in the past something happened
- always adverbA1at all times or every time
- later adverbA1at a time in the future or after the time you are talking about
- never adverbA1not at any time
- often adverbA1many times or in many situations
- PM adverbA1after midday; used after a time between 12 noon and midnight
- quickly adverbA1fast, or after only a short time