Maintenant
Example: Je mange maintenant parce que j'ai faim.
Definition
"Maintenant" is an adverb that means at the present moment or immediately. It indicates the current time, often used to express that something is happening or should happen without delay, as in the sentence, 'Je mange maintenant parce que j'ai faim.'
Etymology
The word "maintenant" originates from Old French, combining 'main' (hand) and 'tenant' (holding), literally meaning 'holding in the hand.' This metaphorically evolved to signify the present moment, something held or grasped right now. Did you know? The sense of 'holding now' perfectly captures the immediacy implied by "maintenant".
Learn to use this word actively
"Maintenant" appears in the Vocaplus list "French - General - (A1) - set 4", containing 104 commonly used words.
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