Present
ˈprɛzənt
Definitions
5 meaningsSomething given to someone as a gift or in recognition of a service or achievement.
ˈprɛzənt
A thing given to someone as a gift.
He gave her a present for her graduation.
💡 Simply: A present is like a surprise package you give to someone because you care about them, maybe for a birthday or just because!
👶 For kids: A present is something you give to someone to show you like them!
More Examples
The children were excited to open their presents.
The company offered a small present to its employees as a holiday bonus.
How It's Used
"She received a beautiful present for her birthday."
"Bring a present to the party."
To give something formally or ceremonially; to offer or show something to someone or to a group of people.
prɪˈzɛnt
To give something to someone.
The company will present the award to the winner.
💡 Simply: To present means to give something to someone, like a trophy or an idea.
👶 For kids: When you present something, you're giving it to someone.
More Examples
The speaker presented his ideas to the audience.
She presented the report to her boss.
How It's Used
"She presented him with a gold medal."
"The lawyer presented the evidence to the jury."
To formally introduce someone.
prɪˈzɛnt
To introduce someone.
The emcee presented the next performer.
💡 Simply: To present also means to introduce people, like, "May I present my friend, Sarah?"
👶 For kids: When you present someone, you're saying, 'Hey, this is my friend!'
More Examples
He presented his wife to his colleagues.
She was asked to present the new intern to the team.
How It's Used
"Let me present my friend to you."
"The host presented the guest speaker."
Being in a particular place or situation.
ˈprɛzənt
The entire board was present at the meeting.
💡 Simply: If you're present, you're there! Like being present in class.
👶 For kids: When you are present, you're there!
More Examples
The doctor examined the patient's present condition.
All the members of the team were present to receive their awards.
How It's Used
"Are all the students present?"
"The defendant was present in the courtroom."
Existing or occurring now; current.
ˈprɛzənt
Relating to the current time.
We must deal with the present challenges.
💡 Simply: The present is right now! Like what's happening this very second.
👶 For kids: The present is what's happening right now!
More Examples
The president addressed the nation on the present issues.
The company is looking at the present market trends.
How It's Used
"The present situation is not ideal."
"In the present circumstances, this is the best course of action."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
present arms
A military command to hold a weapon in a specific position as a sign of respect or for inspection.
"The soldiers were ordered to present arms during the ceremony."
present company excluded
A phrase used to avoid including the people present in a general statement, often a negative one.
"I think most people are lazy, present company excluded."
From Middle English present, from Old French present, from Latin praesēns ('being at hand, present'), from praesum ('to be present'), from prae- ('before') + sum ('to be').
Historically, the word 'present' has been used in legal and formal settings, with its earliest recorded usages related to being 'at hand' or 'in attendance'.
Memory tip
Think of a gift wrapped in a bow – a PRESENT.
Word Origin
"praesēns ('being at hand, present')"