now

Universal Words adverb, conjunction adverb 1 (at) the present time: Where are you living now? * It's been two weeks now since she called. * It's too late now. * From now on I'll be more careful. * He'll be home by now. * I've lived at home up till now. * That's all for now. 2 at or from this moment, but not before: Start writing now. * I am now ready to answer your questions. 3 (spoken) used to show that you are annoyed about sth: Now they want to tax food! * What do you want now? * It's broken. Now I'll have to get a new one. 4 (spoken) used to get sb's attention before changing the subject or asking them to do sth: Now, listen to what she's saying. * Now, the next point is quite complex. * Now come and sit down. * Now let me think... IDIOMS (every) now and again / then from time to time; occasionally: Every now and again she checked to see if he was still asleep. now for sb / sth used when turning to a fresh activity or subject: And now for some travel news. now, now (also now then) used to show in a mild way that you do not approve of sth: Now then, that's enough noise. now...now... at one time...at another time...: Her moods kept changing-now happy, now sad. (it's) now or never this is the only opportunity sb will have to do sth now then 1 = NOW,NOW 2 used when making a suggestion or an offer: Now then, who wants to come for a walk? Now what? (spoken) 1 (also What is it now?) used when you are annoyed because sb is always asking questions or interrupting you: 'Yes, but Dad...' 'Now what?' 2 used to say that you do not know what to do next in a particular situation conjunction ~ (that)... because the thing mentioned is happening or has just happened: Now that the kids have left home we've got a lot of extra space.