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present

US //ˈpɹɛzənt// present
  1. 1 the current time (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the time that is happening right now.

    the period of time now occurring. Singular and usually preceded by the definite article.

    Example

    You should focus on the present instead of worrying about the past.

    Example

    Historians often struggle to remain objective, as their views are inevitably shaped by the political climate of the present.
  2. 2 grammar tense (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Technical Science

    the form of a verb used to describe things happening now.

    the grammatical category of tense used to express an action or state in the current time.

    Example

    In English, we use the present simple to talk about habits.

    Example

    The author switches from the past to the present mid-chapter to create a sense of immediate urgency for the reader.
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  1. 3 to show or give (v.)
    A2 Elementary Formal

    to give something to someone formally, or to show something to an audience.

    to give, provide, or exhibit something formally. Transitive; requires a direct object.

    Example

    The winner was proud when the mayor presented her with the trophy.

    Example

    The research team will present their findings to the international committee during the conference in Geneva next month.

    Usage

    Often takes the pattern 'present something to someone' or 'present someone with something'.
    Pitfall
    He presented to the class his project.
    He presented his project to the class.

    The direct object (the project) should usually come before the prepositional phrase (to the class).

  2. 4 to introduce (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to formally introduce one person to another.

    to introduce someone formally to another, especially to a person of higher rank.

    Example

    May I present my colleague, Dr. Smith?

    Example

    It was a long-standing tradition for young debutantes to be presented to the monarch during the summer season.
  3. 5 being in a place (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    being in a particular place at a particular time.

    being in a specified place; not absent. Predicative or postpositive.

    Example

    There were over two hundred people present at the wedding.

    Example

    Every member of the board was present for the vote, ensuring that the final decision was legally binding.

    Usage

    When it means 'being here', it usually comes after the noun (e.g., 'the people present').
  4. 6 existing now (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    happening or existing at this time.

    existing or occurring now. Attributive; placed before the noun.

    Example

    The present owner of the house has lived here for twenty years.

    Example

    Under the present circumstances, it would be unwise to invest all of our capital into a single emerging market.

    Usage

    In this sense, the adjective always comes before the noun.
Etymology 1

From Middle English present, from Old French present, from Latin praesent-, praesens, present participle of praeesse (“to be present”), from Latin prae- (“pre-”) + esse (“to be”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English presenten, from Old French presenter, from Latin praesentāre (“to show”), from praesent-, praesens, present participle of praeesse (“be in front of”).

Etymology 3

From presend + -t

Idioms1 entry

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