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

COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

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

presentationWord forms: plural presentationsVARIABLE 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
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

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Word Frequency

     

present in British English

(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

a. 

the present tense

b. 

a verb in this tense

9.  See at present
10.  See for the present
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

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

VERB(prɪˈzɛnt)(mainly tr)

1. 

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

2. 
to introduce to the public

to present a play

3. 

to introduce and compere (a radio or television show)

4. 

to show; exhibit

he presented a brave face to the world

5. 

to put forward; submit

she presented a proposal for a new book

6. 

to bring or suggest to the mind

to present a problem

7. 

to give or award

to present a prize

8. 

to endow with or as if with a gift or award

to present a university with a foundation scholarship

9. 

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

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

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

1. 

a.  

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

b.  

existing (in a particular thing)

nitrogen is present in the air

2.  

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

3.  

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

the present writer

4.  Archaic

readily available, effective, etc.

5.  Obsolete
a.  

self-possessed; collected

b.  

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)

see also historical present

NOUN

7.  

the present time

8.  Obsolete

the present occasion

9.  [pl.]
a.  

the present words or writings

b.  Law

this very document

know by these presents

10.  Grammar

a.  

the present tense

b.  
a verb form in this tense

11.  

something presented, or given; gift

VERB TRANSITIVEWord forms: preˈsent

12.  

to bring (a person) into the presence of, and introduce formally to, another or others

13. 
a.  

to honor (someone), esp. formally, with a gift, award, etc.

the mayor presented him with the keys to the city

b.  

to provide or confront (someone) with something

this presents us with a difficult problem

14. 

a.  

to offer for viewing or notice; exhibit; display; show

b.  

to offer (a show, exhibit, etc.) to the public

15.  

to offer for consideration

to present a plan, opportunity, etc.

16.  

to give (a gift, donation, award, etc.) to a person, organization, etc.

17.  
to hand over, give, or send (a bill, credentials, etc.) to someone

18.  

to represent, depict, or interpret in the manner indicated

19.  

to point or aim (a weapon, etc.)

20.  

to nominate to an ecclesiastical benefice

21.  Law
a.  

to put before a legislature, court, etc. for consideration

b.  

to bring a charge or indictment against

VERB INTRANSITIVEWord forms: preˈsent

22.  

to come before a physician (with a particular symptom, medical history, etc.)

SIMILAR WORDS:  give

Idioms:

preˈsent arms

SYNONYMY NOTE:present, gift both refer to something given as an expression of friendship, affection,

esteem, etc., but , gift more often suggests formal bestowal [Christmas presents, the painting was a gift to
the museum]; donation applies to a gift of money, etc. for a philanthropic, charitable, or religious
purpose, esp. as solicited in a public drive for funds [a donation to the orchestra fund]; gratuity applies to
a gift of money, etc. for services rendered, such as a tip to a waiter

Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
All rights reserved.

Word origin
OFr < L praesens, prp. of praeesse, to be present < prae-, before (see pre-) + esse, to be (see essence);
(sense 11) OFr, in phr. mettre en present à, to put before (someone), present, offer, hence a gift

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.

TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)

She noticed that he had not given her a present that morning.

TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)

The watch was a birthday present for my wife.

TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)

Your love life will be more rewarding when you resist comparing past and present

relationships.

THE SUN (2016)

People do not seem to live in the present for large parts of their daily waking hours.

TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)

The book is presented as a series of dreams.

SMITHSONIAN MAG (2017)

None were formally presented to Mr Obama.

TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)

FEELING a little present tense?

THE SUN (2016)

The present took the form of a small wooden doll.

TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2013)

Many streaming sites allow viewers to gift virtual presents or real money to
broadcasters.

TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)

Show more...

Quotations
Look to this day
For it is life, the very life of lifeTHE 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

COBUILD Collocations

present
 
present a plan

present a problem

present a proposal

present a risk

present a scenario

present a threat

present a version

present a view

present a vision
 present purposes

Show more...

Trends of

present
View usage for:      

In other languages

present
British English: present  /ˈprɛzənt/ adjective

If someone is present somewhere, they are there.

He wasn't present when they called out his name.

 American English: present  /ˈprɛzənt/
 Arabic: ‫حاضِ ر‬ 
َ
 Brazilian Portuguese: presente 
 Chinese: 现在的 
 Croatian: prisutan 
 Czech: přítomný 
 Danish: tilstedeværende 
 Dutch: aanwezig 
 European Spanish: presente 
 Finnish: läsnäoleva 
 French: présent  ici
 German: anwesend 
 Greek: παρών 
 Italian: presente 
 Japanese: 居る 
 Korean: 참석한 
 Norwegian: til stede 
 Polish: obecny 
 European Portuguese: presente 
 Romanian: prezent
 Russian: присутствующий 
 Latin American Spanish: presente 
 Swedish: närvarande 
 Thai: ปรากฏตัว 
 Turkish: var 
 Ukrainian: присутній
 Vietnamese: có mặt 
British English: present  /ˈprɛzənt/ noun

gift A present is something that you give to someone for them to keep.

She got a present for her birthday.

 American English: present  /ˈprɛzənt/ gift

 Arabic: ‫ َه ِديَّة‬ 
 Brazilian Portuguese: presente doação
 Chinese: 礼物 
 Croatian: dar 
 Czech: dárek 
 Danish: gave 
 Dutch: cadeau 
 European Spanish: regalo 
 Finnish: lahja 
 French: cadeau 
 German: Geschenk 
 Greek: δώρο 
 Italian: regalo 
 Japanese: プレゼント  gift
 Korean: 선물 
 Norwegian: presang 
 Polish: prezent  podarunek
 European Portuguese: presente doação
 Romanian: cadou
 Russian: подарок 
 Latin American Spanish: regalo 
 Swedish: present 
 Thai: ของขวัญ 
 Turkish: armağan 
 Ukrainian: дарунок
 Vietnamese: quà 
British English: present  /prɛzənt/ noun

current time The present is the period of time that is taking place now.

 American English: present  /ˈprɛzənt/ time being

 Arabic: ‫حاضِ ر‬ 
َ
 Brazilian Portuguese: presente  tempo atual
 Chinese: 现在 
 Croatian: sadašnjost 
 Czech: současnost 
 Danish: nutiden 
 Dutch: heden 
 European Spanish: presente 
 Finnish: nykyhetki 
 French: présent  actuel
 German: Gegenwart 
 Greek: παρόν 
 Italian: presente 
 Japanese: 現在  time being
 Korean: 현재 
 Norwegian: nåtid 
 Polish: teraźniejszość  czas teraźniejszy
 European Portuguese: presente tempo actual
 Romanian: prezent
 Russian: текущий момент 
 Latin American Spanish: presente 
 Swedish: nutid 
 Thai: ปั จจุบน
ั  
 Turkish: şu an 
 Ukrainian: сьогодення
 Vietnamese: hiện tại 
British English: present  /prɪˈzent/ verb

If you present someone with a prize or with information, you give it to them.

The prime minister presented the prizes.

 American English: present  /prɪˈzɛnt/
 Arabic: ‫ َي ْقدُم‬ 
 Brazilian Portuguese: apresentar 
 Chinese: 授予 
 Croatian: predstaviti 
 Czech: předat 
 Danish: præsentere 
 Dutch: presenteren 
 European Spanish: presentar 
 Finnish: esitellä 
 French: présenter  montrer
 German: überreichen 
 Greek: παρουσιάζω 
 Italian: presentare 
 Japanese: 紹介する 
 Korean: 제출하다 
 Norwegian: introdusere 
 Polish: przedstawić 
 European Portuguese: apresentar 
 Romanian: a prezenta
 Russian: дарить 
 Latin American Spanish: presentar 
 Swedish: presentera 
 Thai: ให ้ 
 Turkish: tanıştırmak 
 Ukrainian: вручати
 Vietnamese: trao tặng 

Translate your text for free

 Browse alphabetically

present
 presenile dementia
 presenility
 presension
 present
 present a case
 present a conundrum
 present a danger

All ENGLISH words that begin with 'P'

Related terms of

present
  at present
  present-day
  present era
  re-present
  the present

View more related words

Source
Definition of present from the Collins English Dictionary

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lead or led?
Which version is correct?
He led the country between 1949 and 1984.He lead the country between 1949 and 1984.
 coffee or tea?
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wake up and smell the teawake up and smell the coffee

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Which version is correct?
Once we've did that we will start again.Once we've done that we will start again.

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farther

father

My sisters moved even     away from home.

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He is now married with     children.

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Jul 23, 2021

Word of the day

selenomorphology
the study of the lunar surface and landscape

SEE FULL DEFINITION

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Scrabble score
for 'present':
9
presentpresentpresentpresentVideo pronunciationEnglish: present1English: present2American:
presentExample sentencesCOBUILD CollocationsTrendsIn other languages

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divorce battle or leadership battle?
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He will need their votes in the coming divorce battle.He will need their votes in the coming leadership
battle.

mathematical formula or successful formula?

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successful formula

mathematical formula

Effective style cannot be taught like a    .

murder scene or music scene?

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Mobile signals enabled police to place them at the murder scene.Mobile signals enabled police to place
them at the music scene.

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victory speech

slurred speech

Symptoms include    , muscle pain and mottled skin.

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Overall     is weak and it is expected to remain weak in the near term.

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