Definition of 'present'

Word Frequency

present existing or happening now

(prezənt )

1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

You use present to describe things and people that exist now, rather than those that existed in the past or those that may exist in the future.

He has brought much of the present crisis on himself.

...the government's present economic difficulties.

It has been skilfully renovated by the present owners.

No statement can be made at the present time.

Synonyms: current, existing, immediate, contemporary More Synonyms of present

2. singular noun

The present is the period of time that we are in now and the things that are happening now.

...his struggle to reconcile the past with the present.

...continuing right up to the present.

Then her thoughts would switch to the present.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

In grammar, the present tenses of a verb are the ones that are used to talk about things that happen regularly or situations that exist at this time. The simple present tense uses the base form or the 's' form of a verb, as in 'I play tennis twice a week' and 'She works in a bank'.

See at present

See the present day

See for the present

See there's no time like the present

More Synonyms of present

English Easy Learning GrammarThe present simple tenseTypical forms of this tense are as in:
I know her.
He knows her.
The present simple tense of do is used as the supporting auxiliary when you want to:
ask ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarFinite and non-finite verbsIn a sentence, there is normally at least one verb that has both a subject and a tense. When a verb has a subject and a tense, it can be referred to as ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarTenseWe use verbs to talk about actions and states. Verbs tenses allow us to talk about the time when the action or state takes place.
All main verbs have two ... Read more

Word Frequency

present being somewhere

(prezənt )

1. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If someone is present at an event, they are there.

The president was not present at the meeting. [+ at]

Nearly 85 per cent of men are present at the birth of their children. [+ at]

The whole family was present.

Synonyms: here, there, near, available More Synonyms of present

2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If something, especially a substance or disease, is present in something else, it exists within that thing.

This special form of vitamin D is naturally present in breast milk. [+ in]

One theory is that the infection has been present in humans for a very long time.

If the gene is present, a human embryo will go on to develop as a male.

Synonyms: in existence, existing, existent, extant More Synonyms of present

Word Frequency

present gift

(prezənt)

Word forms: plural presents

countable noun

A present is something that you give to someone, for example at Christmas or when you visit them.

The carpet was a wedding present from the Prime Minister. [+ from]

I bought a birthday present for my mother. [+ for]

This book would make a great Christmas present.

Synonyms: gift, offering, grant, favour More Synonyms of present

Word Frequency

present verb uses

(prɪzent )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense presents , present participle presenting , past tense, past participle presented

1. verb

If you present someone with something such as a prize or document, or if you present it to them, you formally give it to them.

The mayor presented him with a gold medal at an official city reception. [VERB noun + with]

The Prime Minister presented the prizes. [VERB noun]

The group intended to present this petition to the parliament. [VERB noun + to]

presentation uncountable noun

Then came the presentation of the awards by the Duke. [+ of]

Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging More Synonyms of present

2. verb

If something presents a difficulty, challenge, or opportunity, it causes it or provides it.

This presents a problem for many financial consumers. [VERB noun]

The future is going to be one that presents many challenges. [VERB noun]

This summer school presents an opportunity to experience all aspects of dance. [VERB noun]

Public policy on the family presents liberals with a dilemma. [VERB noun + with]

[Also V n to n]

3. verb

If an opportunity or problem presents itself, it occurs, often when you do not expect it.

Their colleagues insulted them whenever the opportunity presented itself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

A further obstacle has presented itself, however. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

4. verb

When you present information, you give it to people in a formal way.

We spend the time collating and presenting the information in a variety of chart forms. [VERB noun]

We presented three options to the unions for discussion. [VERB noun + to]

In effect, Parsons presents us with a beguilingly simple outline of social evolution. [VERB noun + with]

Synonyms: put forward, offer, suggest, raise More Synonyms of present

presentation Word forms: plural presentations variable noun

...in his first presentation of the theory to the Berlin Academy.

...a fair presentation of the facts to a jury. [+ of]

It combines slick presentation and accurate, perceptive reporting.

Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging More Synonyms of present

5. verb

If you present someone or something in a particular way, you describe them in that way.

The government has presented these changes as major reforms. [VERB noun + as]

The British like to present themselves as a nation of dog-lovers. [VERB noun as noun]

In Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light. [VERB noun + in]

6. verb

The way you present yourself is the way you speak and act when meeting new people.

...all those tricks which would help him to present himself in a more confident way in public. [VERB pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb]

7. verb

If someone or something presents a particular appearance or image, that is how they appear or try to appear.

The small group of onlookers presented a pathetic sight. [VERB noun]

In presenting a more professional image the party risks losing its individuality. [VERB noun]

...presenting a calm and dignified face to the world at large. [VERB noun + to]

8. verb

If you present yourself somewhere, you officially arrive there, for example for an appointment.

She was told to present herself at the Town Hall at 11.30 for the induction ceremony. [VERB pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb]

We presented ourselves to the authorities promptly. [VERB pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb]

9. verb

If someone presents a programme on television or radio, they introduce each item in it.

[mainly British]

She presents a monthly magazine programme on the BBC. [VERB noun]

regional note: in AM, usually use host, introduce

10. verb

When someone presents something such as a production of a play or an exhibition, they organize it.

The Lyric Theatre is presenting a new production of 'Over the Bridge'. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: put on, stage, perform, give More Synonyms of present

11. verb

If you present someone to someone else, often an important person, you formally introduce them.

Fox stepped forward, welcomed him, and presented him to Jack. [VERB noun + to]

Allow me to present my cousin, Mr Zachary Colenso. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: introduce, make known, acquaint someone with More Synonyms of present

12. See also presentation

Video: pronunciation of
present

present in British English 1

(ˈprɛzənt )

adjective

1. (prenominal)

in existence at the moment in time at which an utterance is spoken or written

2. (postpositive)

being in a specified place, thing, etc

the murderer is present in this room

3. (prenominal)

now in consideration or under discussion

the present topic

the present author

4. grammar

denoting a tense of verbs used when the action or event described is occurring at the time of utterance or when the speaker does not wish to make any explicit temporal reference

5. archaic

readily available; instant

present help is at hand

6. archaic

mentally alert; attentive

noun

7. See the present

8. grammar

the present tense

a verb in this tense

9. See at present

10. See for the present

Word origin

C13: from Latin praesens, from praeesse to be in front of, from prae- before, in front + esse to be

Word Frequency

present in British English 2

verb (prɪˈzɛnt ) (mainly tr)

to introduce (a person) to another, esp to someone of higher rank

to introduce to the public

to present a play

to introduce and compere (a radio or television show)

to show; exhibit

he presented a brave face to the world

to put forward; submit

she presented a proposal for a new book

to bring or suggest to the mind

to present a problem

to give or award

to present a prize

to endow with or as if with a gift or award

to present a university with a foundation scholarship

to offer formally

to present one's compliments

10.

to offer or hand over for action or settlement

to present a bill

11.

to represent or depict in a particular manner

the actor presented Hamlet as a very young man

12.

to salute someone with (one's weapon) (usually in the phrase present arms)

13.

to aim or point (a weapon)

14.

to nominate (a member of clergy) to a bishop for institution to a benefice in the bishop's diocese

15.

to lay (a charge, etc) before a court, magistrate, etc, for consideration or trial

16.

to bring a formal charge or accusation against (a person); indict

17. mainly US

(of a grand jury) to take notice of (an offence) from personal knowledge or observation, before any bill of indictment has been drawn up

18. (intransitive) medicine

to seek treatment for a particular symptom or problem

she presented with postnatal depression

19. (intransitive) informal

to produce a favourable, etc impression

she presents well in public

he presents as harmless but has poisoned his family

20. See present oneself

noun (ˈprɛzənt )

21.

anything that is presented; a gift

22. See make someone a present of something

Word origin

C13: from Old French presenter, from Latin praesentāre to exhibit, offer, from praesens present1

Word Frequency

present in American English

(ˈprɛzənt ; for v. priˈzɛnt ; prɪˈzɛnt )

adjective

being at the specified or understood place; at hand; in attendance

existing (in a particular thing)

nitrogen is present in the air

of or at this time; existing or happening now; in progress

now being discussed, considered, written, read, etc.

the present writer

4. Archaic

readily available, effective, etc.

5. Obsolete

self-possessed; collected

paying attention

6. Grammar

indicating action as now taking place (Ex.: she goes) or state as now existing (Ex.: the plums are ripe), action that is habitual (Ex.: he speaks with an accent), or action that is always the same (Ex.: the clock strikes twelve at noon)

Examples of 'present' in a sentence
present

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…

It said that the advert must not reappear in its present form.She noticed that he had not given her a present that morning.The watch was a birthday present for my wife.Your love life will be more rewarding when you resist comparing past and present relationships.People do not seem to live in the present for large parts of their daily waking hours.The book is presented as a series of dreams.None were formally presented to Mr Obama.FEELING a little present tense?The present took the form of a small wooden doll.Many streaming sites allow viewers to gift virtual presents or real money to broadcasters.

Quotations

Look to this day
For it is life, the very life of life The Sufi

For present joys are more to flesh and blood
Than a dull prospect of a distant goodJohn DrydenThe Hindu and the Panther

Ah, fill the cup: - what boots it to repeat
How time is slipping underneath our feet;
Unborn tomorrow, and dead yesterday,
Why fret about them if today be sweet!Edward FitzgeraldThe Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

Presents, I often say, endear AbsentsCharles LambEssays of Elia

There is no time like the present