Present Definition

prĕzənt

presented, presenting, presents

noun

presents

The present time.

Webster's New World

A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now.

American Heritage

The present occasion.

Webster's New World

The present words or writings.

Webster's New World

The present tense.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
past
future

adjective

Being at the specified or understood place; at hand; in attendance.

Webster's New World

Of or at this time; existing or happening now; in progress.

Webster's New World

Existing (in a particular thing)

Nitrogen is present in the air.

Webster's New World

Now being considered; actually here or involved.

The present subject; present company excepted.

American Heritage

Now being discussed, considered, written, read, etc.

The present writer.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

verb

presented, presenting, presents

To bring (a person) into the presence of, and introduce formally to, another or others.

Webster's New World

To make a gift to.

Presented the winner with a medal.

American Heritage

To honor (someone), esp. formally, with a gift, award, etc.

The mayor presented him with the keys to the city.

Webster's New World

To provide or confront (someone) with something.

This presents us with a difficult problem.

Webster's New World

To offer for viewing or notice; exhibit; display; show.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

idiom

at present

At the present time; right now.

American Heritage

for the present

For the time being; temporarily.

American Heritage

present arms

to hold a rifle vertically in front of the body, with the muzzle up: a position of salute

Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Present

Noun

Singular:

present

Plural:

presents

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Present

Origin of Present

Middle English presenten from Old French presenter from Latin presentāre to show from praesēns praesent- present participle of praeesse to be in front of present¹

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Middle English from Old French from Latin praesēns praesent- present participle of praeesse to be present prae- pre- esse to be es- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Middle English presenten, from Old French presenter, from Latin presentare "to show", from Latin praesent-, praesens present participle of praeesse "to be in front of".

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

From Wiktionary