Nowadays: Meaning, Examples, and Correct Usage

Meaning 1：at present (nowadays)

nowadays 🔊

/ˈnaʊədeɪz/

adv.

At the present time, in the current era.

Nowadays modern city street with people using smartphones in daytime

at present 🔊

➕

/æt ˈprɛznt/

adv.

Refers to the current period of time, as opposed to the past or future. It is used to describe things that are common or typical in the present era.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combination of 'now' and 'days', meaning 'in these days'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Now + a days' = 'at the present time'. Imagine saying 'Now a days, we do this!'

📖 Example

Nowadays, most people prefer texting over making phone calls. 🔊 Nowadays, most people prefer texting over making phone calls.

🔗 Collocations

nowadays it is common to – It is a common practice in the present time.

nowadays people often – People frequently do something in the current era.

nowadays we see – We observe something in modern times.

🔄 Synonyms

today (adv.) – At the present time.

currently (adv.) – At this moment or period.

these days (phrase) – In the present time.

🚫 Antonyms

in the past (phrase) – At a previous time.

formerly (adv.) – In earlier times.

once (adv.) – At some time in the past.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Middle English, 'nowadays' combines 'now' and 'days', first recorded in the 14th century. It reflects the shift from 'at this time' to 'in the present age'.