ət ˈwʌns dɪˈɹɛk(t)li fɔːθˈwɪð fɔɹθˈwɪθ ɪˈmiːdi.ətli ˈɪnstəntli ˈnaʊ.ə.deɪz təˈdeɪ təˈdeɪ in these times it is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished we now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets today almost every home has television without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening he answered immediately found an answer straightaway an official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith Come here now! used to preface a command or reproof or request now hear this! now pay attention at the present moment goods now on sale the now-aging dictator they are now abroad he is busy at present writing a new novel it could happen any time now in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events President Kennedy now calls in the National Guard Washington now decides to cross the Delaware the ship is now listing to port in the immediate past told me just now (prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity Now the next problem is … the momentary present Now is a good time to do it it worked up to right now