Present | Mean of present in English Dictionary

/ˈprɛzn̩t/

• Noun
• something that you give to someone especially as a way of showing affection or thanks
1. a birthday/Christmas/anniversary/wedding present
2. Here's a present for you from John.
3. I gave/got her a book as a present.
4. Did you wrap the presents?
• Verb
• to give something to someone in a formal way or in a ceremony
1. He presented the queen with a diamond necklace.
2. He was presented with a medal at the ceremony.
3. She presented a check for $5,000 to the charity.
• to formally talk about (something you have written, studied, etc.) to a group of people
1. The scientist presented his results/report to the committee.
2. She will be presenting a paper on methods for teaching ESL at the conference.
3. What time will you be presenting?

• to make (something) available to be used or considered
1. The defense will present [=produce] evidence refuting the charges.
2. An offer was presented for our consideration.
3. The opportunity presented itself [=became available], and she took advantage of it.
• to make (something, such as a play or show) available to be seen by the public
1. The Main Street Theater Company is presenting Shakespeare's Othello next month.
2. The museum is presenting an exhibition of paintings by Monet.
• to show (something) to someone
1. He presented his ID to the security guard.
2. You'll be required to present a passport when you cross the border.
• to describe or show (someone or something) in a particular way
1. No matter how the government tries to present what happened, it was a tragic mistake.
2. The article presents an accurate picture of the contemporary lives of Japanese women.
3. The candidate tried to present a more upbeat image of himself.
4. She presents herself as a very ambitious person.
• to create (a problem, challenge, etc.) for someone or something
1. Storing these delicate artifacts presents [=poses] a challenge for the college.
2. The conflicting information presents a dilemma (for us): which numbers are correct?
3. The shortages presented a serious problem to the government. = The shortages presented the government with a serious problem.
4. We have been presented with a difficult task.
• to introduce (someone or something) to an audience
1. I am pleased to present our first comedian of the night.
• to introduce (someone) to a person who is important, of high rank, etc.
1. He was presented as ambassador to the king.
• to bring (yourself) to a particular place
1. She was ordered to present herself at court [=to go to court] the next day.
• to express (something, such as an apology)
1. Please allow me to present my apologies (to you).
2. Let me present my congratulations and best wishes (to you) on this happy occasion.
• to introduce the different parts of (a radio or television program)
1. She presents [=(US) hosts] a popular game show.
• not past or future
1. the present [=current] situation
2. No further changes are planned at the present time. [=now]
3. The game has existed in its present form for more than 300 years.
• at the particular place or event that is being referred to
1. She was present at the meeting.
2. There was a large crowd present in the auditorium.
3. “John Smith?” “Present!” [=here]
• existing in something
1. There were high levels of lead present in the water. [=the water contained high levels of lead]
• Noun
• the period of time that exists now
1. Past, present, and future are all linked together.
2. the past, the present, and the future
3. Let's leave things as they are for the present. We may change them in the future.
4. I have worked here from 2000 to the present.
5. Geologists believe that the present is the key to the past.
6. 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]
• the current condition or situation of someone or something
1. He was trying to escape his present by living in the past.
2. She moved the company out of a troubled past and into a profitable present.
• at or during this time
1. Things were bad then but they're better at present.
2. At present I am working as a substitute teacher.