Nowadays is a common word that refers to the present time or current state of affairs. The spelling of this word, according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is /ˈnaʊəˌdeɪz/. The first syllable is pronounced like "now" and the second syllable is pronounced like "day" with a voiced "z" sound at the end. This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the word and helps to clarify its meaning when communicating with others. In modern English, the spelling of nowadays is considered standard and widely accepted.
Nowadays is an adverb that indicates the present time or current era. It refers to the period or point in time that is closest to the speaker or writer. It is often used to describe the way things are or happen in the contemporary world, especially when comparing or contrasting them to a different time in the past.
In the modern context, "nowadays" is used to highlight the changes and advancements that have taken place over time. It implies that the situation or condition being discussed is different from how it used to be, suggesting a shift or development in societal norms, technology, or cultural practices.
The term "nowadays" is commonly employed in conversations, debates, and written texts to provide a context for the discussion. It helps to establish the time frame within which a particular event, trend, or phenomenon is happening. Additionally, it can serve as an indicator to date the information or to express contemporaneity.
The use of "nowadays" allows speakers and writers to emphasize the relevance and timeliness of their point of view by linking it to the current time period. It acknowledges the ever-changing nature of society and sets the stage for reflections on the present-day characteristics, habits, or circumstances.
In this age.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "nowadays" is derived from the combination of two Middle English words: "now" and "days".
The word "now" originated from the Old English word "nu", which meant "at the present time" or "at this moment". It evolved into the Middle English word "nowe" and eventually became "now" as we know it today.
The word "days" comes from the Old English word "dagas", which referred to a specific period of time during daylight. This term evolved into the Middle English word "dayes" and later became "days" in Modern English.
The combination of "now" and "days" to form "nowadays" occurred during the Middle English period, where it acquired the meaning of "at the present time" or "in contemporary times". Overall, "nowadays" refers to the current era or the time in which someone is living.