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Definition now in British English

now

adverb, conjunction
1

at the present time

Example

He is now 48 years old.

Example

She's been very ill, but she's much better now.

Example

The meeting should have finished by now.

Example

I've never been to a formal dinner party before now, and I'm not quite sure how to behave.

Example

Nancy will be working full-time from now on.

Example

The rule will take effect as of now.

Example

Prices will remain unchanged for now.

Example

Goodbye for now.

Example

Until now, we've had very mild weather this winter.

Example

Right now I'm not interested in dating - I need to spend some time alone.

Example

'Can I ask you a question?' 'Not now - I'm busy.'

Example

Now is the time to look forward, make plans for the future, and work together.

Synonyms and related words
now today currently currently
2

immediately, or very soon

Example

If everyone else has finished in the bathroom, I'll have my shower now.

Example

'Can you call me back?' 'No, I need to talk to you right now.'

Synonyms and related words
suddenly immediately just soon shortly just
3

used for saying how long it is since something happened or started

Example

It's three years now since I moved south from Scotland.

Example

The farm workers have been there for about two weeks now.

4

used when you are saying that something happens as a result of something else

4.1

used when you are saying that something happens as a result of something else

Example

Having inherited the money, she knew that things would now be much better.

Example

Now that the war is over, there is a lot more food in the shops.

Example

Now I'm back here, I can hardly walk down a street without seeing someone I know.

4.2

used when you are saying that you understand something as a result of what you have been told or what has happened

Example

Now I see why she didn't want to go with me - she was interested in George.

Synonyms and related words
of course OK all right
5

used in stories to mean at a particular time in the story

Example

We ran down the road and past the house, which was now hidden in the darkness.

Synonyms and related words
it all began well oh oh
Example

Now come on, tell me what's been happening.

Example

Don't forget now - phone me tomorrow.

Example

Now that's what I like about Harry - he's always cheerful.

Synonyms and related words
whatever whenever whoever
7

used when you want to get people's attention or to show that you are going to talk about something new

7.1

used when you want to get people's attention or to show that you are going to talk about something new

Example

Now, listen everybody.

Example

Now, about next week's programme - we've had to make a few changes.

Example

Now then, are there any more questions?

7.2

used for introducing information that you think someone needs to know in order to understand the story that you are telling

Example

He was 20 when he moved to the city. Now, you have to remember that was 30 years ago.

Synonyms and related words
it all began well oh
8

used when you pause before deciding what to say next

Example

Now, let me think.

Synonyms and related words
OK like like
Definition now in British English

Related Words

Words related to now:

all together now (phrase) any day now (phrase) any moment (now) (phrase) don’t look now (phrase) for now (phrase) here and now (phrase) it’s now or never (phrase) just now (adverb) just now (phrase) now for () now now () now then () now you mention it () now you tell me () now you’re talking () now...now () right now (phrase) what is it now? (phrase)