NOW
- Géraldine Pierrot
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
Type
Noun
Origin
The word ‘now’ originates from Old English ‘nū’, meaning «at the present moment». It derives from Proto-Germanic *\nu and has cognates in various Germanic languages such as Old High German ‘nu’, Old Norse ‘nū’, and Gothic ‘nu’. Related to Latin ‘nunc’ and Greek ‘nun’, its meaning has stayed constant throughout its evolution from Old English ‘nū’ to Middle English ‘nowe’nowe’, and finally to modern English ‘now’.
Semantic
The word "now" primarily functions as an adverb and serves to express the concept of the present moment or the current point in time. Here are key semantic dimensions of the word "now":The word ‘now’ primarily functions as an adverb and serves to express the concept of the present moment or the current point in time.
Here are key semantic dimensions of the word ‘now’:
Present Moment
'Now’ is used to refer to the immediate present, indicating the exact time of speaking or a point in time close to the present.
‘I am busy now; let’s talk later’.
Immediate Action or Response
It can convey a sense of urgency or immediacy, suggesting that something needs to be done or addressed promptly.
‘Please call me now; it’s important’.
Transition or Change
'Now’ can be used to mark a transition or change in a situation or condition.
‘I was confused, but now I understand’.
Emphasis or Reinforcement
When repeated or used for emphasis, «now» can underscore a point or request for immediate attention.
‘I told you to clean your room, and I mean it now, now!’
Temporal Reference
It is employed to give temporal reference, especially in comparisons or contrasts with different points in time.
‘Back then, things were different, but now we have advanced technology’.
Connecting Ideas
‘Now’ is often used to connect ideas or events in a narrative, indicating a progression in time.
‘I finished my studies, and now I’m starting a new job’.
At This Particular Time
‘Now’ can indicate a particular time that is deemed appropriate or suitable for something.
‘Now is the best time to invest in your education’.
The semantic richness of 'now' lies in its ability to precisely reference the current moment while also conveying nuances of urgency, change, or emphasis depending on the context in which it is used.
Synonyms
Currently, Presently, At this moment
Antonyms
Later, Previously, Eventually
Derivatives
Nowadays, Nowhere, Nowise
