present
9 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
presents
plural
presents
Britannica Dictionary definition of PRESENT
[count]
:
something that you give to someone especially as a way of showing affection or thanks
:
gift
-
a birthday/Christmas/anniversary/wedding present
-
Here's a present for you from John.
-
I gave/got her a book as a present.
-
Did you wrap the presents?
—
compare 4present
presents;
presented;
presenting
presents;
presented;
presenting
Britannica Dictionary definition of PRESENT
1
[+ object]
:
to give something to someone in a formal way or in a ceremony
-
He presented the queen with a diamond necklace.
-
He was presented with a medal at the ceremony.
-
She presented a check for $5,000 to the charity.
2
a
:
to formally talk about (something you have written, studied, etc.) to a group of people
[+ object]
-
The scientist presented his results/report to the committee.
-
She will be presenting a paper on methods for teaching ESL at the conference.
[no object]
-
What time will you be presenting?
b
[+ object]
:
to make (something) available to be used or considered
-
The defense will present [=produce] evidence refuting the charges.
-
An offer was presented for our consideration.
-
The opportunity presented itself [=became available], and she took advantage of it.
3
[+ object]
:
to make (something, such as a play or show) available to be seen by the public
-
The Main Street Theater Company is presenting Shakespeare's Othello next month.
-
The museum is presenting an exhibition of paintings by Monet.
4
[+ object]
:
to show (something) to someone
-
He presented his ID to the security guard.
-
You'll be required to present a passport when you cross the border.
5
[+ object]
:
to describe or show (someone or something) in a particular way
-
No matter how the government tries to present what happened, it was a tragic mistake.
-
The article presents an accurate picture of the contemporary lives of Japanese women.
-
The candidate tried to present a more upbeat image of himself.
-
She presents herself as a very ambitious person.
6
[+ object]
:
to create (a problem, challenge, etc.) for someone or something
-
Storing these delicate artifacts presents [=poses] a challenge for the college.
-
The conflicting information presents a dilemma (for us): which numbers are correct?
-
The shortages presented a serious problem to the government. = The shortages presented the government with a serious problem.
-
We have been presented with a difficult task.
7
[+ object]
a
:
to introduce (someone or something) to an audience
-
I am pleased to present our first comedian of the night.
b
formal
:
to introduce (someone) to a person who is important, of high rank, etc.
-
He was presented as ambassador to the king.
8
[+ object]
formal
:
to bring (yourself) to a particular place
-
She was ordered to present herself at court [=to go to court] the next day.
9
[+ object]
formal
:
to express (something, such as an apology)
-
Please allow me to present my apologies (to you).
-
Let me present my congratulations and best wishes (to you) on this happy occasion.
10
[+ object]
British
:
to introduce the different parts of (a radio or television program)
-
She presents [=(US) hosts] a popular game show.
— presenter
noun, plural presenters [count]-
the presenter of the award
-
The presenter spoke well.
-
(Brit) the presenter [=(US) host] of the game show
Britannica Dictionary definition of PRESENT
1
a
:
not past or future
:
existing or happening now
-
the present [=current] situation
-
No further changes are planned at the present time. [=now]
-
The game has existed in its present form for more than 300 years.
b
— used to say what someone or something is now
-
the company's present [=(more commonly) current] employees
-
the present leadership of the Senate [=the people who have positions of power in the Senate now]
-
The ceremony honors our soldiers, past and present. [=people who were soldiers in the past and people who are soldiers now]
2
a
:
at the particular place or event that is being referred to
— often + at
— often + in
— sometimes used as an interjection
-
She was present at the meeting.
-
There was a large crowd present in the auditorium.
-
“John Smith?” “Present!” [=here]
b
:
existing in something
— usually + in
-
There were high levels of lead present in the water. [=the water contained high levels of lead]
all present and accounted for
(US) or British all present and correct
— used to say that all the people who are supposed to be at a place or event are there
-
The students are all present and accounted for.
present company excepted/excluded
— used to say that a critical comment you have made about a group of people does not include the person or people you are with
-
Men are such jerks—present company excepted/excluded, of course.
present writer
somewhat formal
— used to refer to yourself as the person who is writing something
-
No one—present writer included—thought the plan would work. [=no one, including me, thought the plan would work]
-
She is promoting her latest movie, which the present writer has not yet seen. [=which I have not yet seen]
Britannica Dictionary definition of PRESENT
1
[noncount]
:
the period of time that exists now
:
the present time
— usually used with the
-
Past, present, and future are all linked together.
-
the past, the present, and the future
-
Let's leave things as they are for the present. We may change them in the future.
-
I have worked here from 2000 to the present.
-
Geologists believe that the present is the key to the past.
-
There's no time like the present for getting things done! [=it is best to get things done right away instead of waiting until later]
2
[count]
:
the current condition or situation of someone or something
— usually singular
-
He was trying to escape his present by living in the past.
-
She moved the company out of a troubled past and into a profitable present.
3
at present
:
at or during this time
:
at the present time
:
now
-
Things were bad then but they're better at present.
-
At present I am working as a substitute teacher.
—
compare 1present
