Presentation

/ˌprɛzənˈteɪʃən/

nounBeginnerVery CommonAcademic

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The act of presenting something; a demonstration, explanation, or lecture. The act of showing or offering something for consideration.

/ˌprɛzənˈteɪʃən/

nounneutralBeginner
Academic

A speech or talk introducing a new idea, product, or piece of work.

The CEO delivered a compelling presentation to the investors.

💡 Simply: Think of it like showing off something you've worked on or telling people about an exciting idea. For example, you might give a presentation about your favorite book to your class.

👶 For kids: Showing or telling people something important. Like when you show your drawings to your friends!

More Examples

2

Her presentation skills were exceptional.

3

The presentation included charts and graphs to illustrate the data.

How It's Used

Business

"The marketing team gave a presentation about the new product launch."

Academic

"Students are required to give presentations on their research projects."

2

The act of giving something to someone or making something available to view or consider.

/ˌprɛzənˈteɪʃən/

nounneutralmedium
General

The act of giving something to someone or making it available.

The presentation of the findings was met with skepticism.

💡 Simply: This is like giving something to someone, showing them something, or offering it. For example, the presentation of a gift at a birthday party is exciting.

👶 For kids: Giving something to someone. Like giving a present!

More Examples

2

The presentation of the check for damages took place immediately.

3

The police made a presentation of the evidence to the court.

How It's Used

Legal

"The presentation of evidence was crucial to the case."

Gift-giving

"The presentation of the award was met with cheers."

Tip:Think about presenting a gift – you are making it available.
3

The way something is presented, especially its appearance or style.

/ˌprɛzənˈteɪʃən/

nounneutralmedium
General

The appearance or style of something.

The presentation of the products in the store was carefully considered.

💡 Simply: This is about how something looks or appears. For instance, the presentation of a delicious dessert can make it even more enjoyable.

👶 For kids: How something looks. Like how your room looks when you clean it up!

More Examples

2

The restaurant's attention to food presentation was outstanding.

3

The website's presentation needed to be improved for better user experience.

How It's Used

Design

"The presentation of the website was clean and modern."

Food

"The presentation of the dish was as impressive as the taste."

Tip:Think about how a chef presents a dish – it's the visual appeal.

Idioms & expressions

make a presentation

To deliver a speech or talk.

"I'm going to make a presentation on climate change next week."

give a presentation

To deliver a speech or talk.

"She will give a presentation at the conference."

presentation slides

The visual aids used during a presentation.

"The presentation slides contained graphs and charts."

From the Latin *praesentatio*, meaning 'a showing, exhibiting'. It developed through Old French *présentation*.

The term gained prominence in the 17th century, initially referring to formal introductions or offerings.

Memory tip

Imagine a present being presented on a stage. That's a presentation!

presentaionpresentasionpresentatin

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written