ENGLISH
REFERENCE

presents

n.
US //ˈpɹɛzənts// presents
  1. 1 gifts (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    more than one gift given to someone to show friendship or celebrate an event.

    the plural form of 'present' in the sense of a gift or donation.

    Example

    The children were excited to open their birthday presents after the party.

    Example

    The charity received numerous presents during the holiday season, which were later distributed to families in need throughout the local community.
  2. 2 legal document contents (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

    a formal word used in legal papers to mean 'this document'.

    the contents of the present document; used in formal legal instruments to refer to the document itself.

    Example

    The contract stated that by these presents, the agreement was now official.

    Example

    Know all men by these presents that the undersigned does hereby grant full power of attorney to the designated representative.

    Usage

    Always used with 'these', as in 'by these presents'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a highly specialized legal term. Students will likely only see it in contracts or historical legal texts.
Related words

Last updated June 19, 2026