The spelling of the phrase "now never" can be a bit tricky for those new to the English language. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /naʊ ˈnɛvər/. The "now" is easy enough to spell, but the second word requires some attention. The "n" is followed by a short "e" sound, and the "v" is pronounced without a following "o". The final "er" is pronounced as a short "uh" sound, hence the spelling "-ever". With practice, it becomes clearer why this phrase is spelled the way it is.
"Now never" is a colloquial expression that refers to a situation or possibility that is completely out of the question or will never happen under any circumstances. It is used to emphasize the impossibility or extreme unlikelihood of something occurring either at present or in the future.
The term "now never" combines the adverb "now" and the adverb "never," intensifying the sense of finality and certainty. "Now" implies the present moment, suggesting an immediate and current lack of possibility, while "never" signifies an eternal and perpetual absence of any chance for the event to occur.
For instance, when someone states "I will now never forgive you," it means that forgiveness is no longer an option, indicating a firm and irreversible decision to hold on to feelings of resentment or anger indefinitely. Similarly, if a person says "I now never want to see you again," it denotes an unequivocal desire to sever all ties and cease any future interaction or relationship.
The phrase "now never" can also be used to indicate the complete opposite of its literal meaning in a more ironic or sarcastic context. In such cases, it is employed to convey that an opportunity or option is so significant or appealing that it will be seized immediately. For example, if a friend exclaims "I want that ice cream right now or never," they emphasize their urgency and excitement to indulge in the treat promptly and by no means let the chance pass.
The phrase "now never" is not a single word with an etymology but rather a combination of two separate words.
"Now" originated from the Old English word "nu", which has Indo-European roots. It has been used to indicate the present time since the Middle English period.
"Never", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "nǽfre", which also has Indo-European origins. It is a combination of "ne", meaning "not", and "ǽfre", meaning "ever" or "at any time". Over time, "nǽfre" evolved into "never" in Modern English.