Present: Verb Uses

A
present is something that you give to someone, for example at Christmas or when you visit them.
The carpet was a wedding present from the Prime Minister. [+ from]
I bought a birthday present for my mother. [+ for]
This book would make a great Christmas present.
Synonyms: gift, offering, grant, favour More Synonyms of present
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency

present verb uses

(prɪzent)
Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense presents, present participle presenting, past

tense, past participle presented
1. VERB
If you present someone with something such as a prize or document, or if you present it to them, you

formally give it to them.
The mayor presented him with a gold medal at an official city reception. [VERB noun + with]
The Prime Minister presented the prizes. [VERB noun]
The group intended to present this petition to the parliament. [VERB noun + to]
presentation UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Then came the presentation of the awards by the Duke. [+ of]
Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging More Synonyms of present
2. VERB
If something presents a difficulty, challenge, or opportunity, it causes it or provides it.

This presents a problem for many financial consumers. [VERB noun]
The future is going to be one that presents many challenges. [VERB noun]
This summer school presents an opportunity to experience all aspects of dance. [VERB noun]
Public policy on the family presents liberals with a dilemma. [VERB noun + with]
[Also V n to n]
3. VERB
If an opportunity or problem presents itself, it occurs, often when you do not expect it.
Their colleagues insulted them whenever the opportunity presented itself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
A further obstacle has presented itself, however. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
4. VERB
When you present information, you give it to people in a formal way.
We spend the time collating and presenting the information in a variety of chart forms. [VERB noun]
We presented three options to the unions for discussion. [VERB noun + to]
In effect, Parsons presents us with a beguilingly simple outline of social evolution. [VERB noun + with]
Synonyms: put forward, offer, suggest, raise More Synonyms of present
presentationWord forms: plural presentationsVARIABLE NOUN

...in his first presentation of the theory to the Berlin Academy.
...a fair presentation of the facts to a jury. [+ of]
It combines slick presentation and accurate, perceptive reporting.
Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging More Synonyms of present
5. VERB
If you present someone or something in a particular way, you describe them in that way.
The government has presented these changes as major reforms. [VERB noun + as]
The British like to present themselves as a nation of dog-lovers. [VERB noun as noun]
In Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light. [VERB noun + in]
6. VERB
The way you present yourself is the way you speak and act when meeting new people.
...all those tricks which would help him to present himself in a more confident way in
public. [VERB pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb]
7. VERB
If someone or something presents a particular appearance or image, that is how they appear or try to
appear.
The small group of onlookers presented a pathetic sight. [VERB noun]
In presenting a more professional image the party risks losing its individuality. [VERB noun]
...presenting a calm and dignified face to the world at large. [VERB noun + to]
8. VERB
If you present yourself somewhere, you officially arrive there, for example for an appointment.
She was told to present herself at the Town Hall at 11.30 for the induction ceremony. [VERB pronoun-
reflexive preposition/adverb]
We presented ourselves to the authorities promptly. [VERB pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb]
9. VERB
If someone presents a programme on television or radio, they introduce each item in it.
[mainly British]
She presents a monthly magazine programme on the BBC. [VERB noun]
REGIONAL NOTE: in AM, usually use host, introduce
10. VERB
When someone presents something such as a production of a play or an exhibition, they organize it.
The Lyric Theatre is presenting a new production of 'Over the Bridge'. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: put on, stage, perform, give More Synonyms of present
11. VERB
If you present someone to someone else, often an important person, you formally introduce them.
Fox stepped forward, welcomed him, and presented him to Jack. [VERB noun + to]
Allow me to present my cousin, Mr Zachary Colenso. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: introduce, make known, acquaint someone with More Synonyms of present
12. See also presentation
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
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Word Frequency

present in British English

(ˈprɛzənt)
ADJECTIVE
1. (prenominal)
in existence at the moment in time at which an utterance is spoken or written
2. (postpositive)
being in a specified place, thing, etc
the murderer is present in this room
3. (prenominal)
now in consideration or under discussion
the present topic
the present author
4. grammar
denoting a tense of verbs used when the action or event described is occurring at the time of utterance or
when the speaker does not wish to make any explicit temporal reference
5. archaic
readily available; instant
present help is at hand
6. archaic
mentally alert; attentive
NOUN
7. See the present
8. grammar
a.
the present tense
b.
a verb in this tense
9. See at present
10. See for the present
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin
C13: from Latin praesens, from praeesse to be in front of, from prae- before, in front + esse to be
Word Frequency

present in British English

VERB(prɪˈzɛnt)(mainly tr)
1.
to introduce (a person) to another, esp to someone of higher rank
2.
to introduce to the public
to present a play
3.
to introduce and compere (a radio or television show)
4.
to show; exhibit
he presented a brave face to the world
5.
to put forward; submit
she presented a proposal for a new book
6.
to bring or suggest to the mind
to present a problem
7.
to give or award
to present a prize
8.
to endow with or as if with a gift or award
to present a university with a foundation scholarship
9.
to offer formally
to present one's compliments
10.
to offer or hand over for action or settlement
to present a bill
11.
to represent or depict in a particular manner
the actor presented Hamlet as a very young man
12.
to salute someone with (one's weapon) (usually in the phrase present arms)
13.
to aim or point (a weapon)
14.
to nominate (a member of clergy) to a bishop for institution to a benefice in the bishop's diocese
15.
to lay (a charge, etc) before a court, magistrate, etc, for consideration or trial
16.
to bring a formal charge or accusation against (a person); indict
17. mainly US
(of a grand jury) to take notice of (an offence) from personal knowledge or observation, before any bill
of indictment has been drawn up
18. (intransitive) medicine
to seek treatment for a particular symptom or problem
she presented with postnatal depression
19. (intransitive) informal
to produce a favourable, etc impression
she presents well in public
he presents as harmless but has poisoned his family
20. See present oneself
NOUN(ˈprɛzənt)
21.
anything that is presented; a gift
22. See make someone a present of something

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin
C13: from Old French presenter, from Latin praesentāre to exhibit, offer, from praesens PRESENT1
Word Frequency

present in American English

(ˈprɛzənt; for v. priˈzɛnt; prɪˈzɛnt)
ADJECTIVE
1.
a.
being at the specified or understood place; at hand; in attendance
b.
existing (in a particular thing)
nitrogen is present in the air
2.
of or at this time; existing or happening now; in progress
3.
now being discussed, considered, written, read, etc.
the present writer
4. Archaic
readily available, effective, etc.

5. Obsolete
a.
self-possessed; collected
b.
paying attention
6. Grammar
indicating action as now taking place ( Ex.: she goes) or state as now existing (Ex.: the plums are ripe),
action that is habitual (Ex.: he speaks with an accent), or action that is always the same (Ex.:
the clock strikes twelve at noon)
see also historical present

NOUN
7.
the present time
8. Obsolete
the present occasion
9. [pl.]
a.
the present words or writings
b. Law
this very document
know by these presents
10. Grammar
a.
the present tense
b.
a verb form in this tense
11.
something presented, or given; gift
VERB TRANSITIVEWord forms: preˈsent
12.
to bring (a person) into the presence of, and introduce formally to, another or others
13.
a.
to honor (someone), esp. formally, with a gift, award, etc.
the mayor presented him with the keys to the city
b.
to provide or confront (someone) with something
this presents us with a difficult problem
14.
a.
to offer for viewing or notice; exhibit; display; show
b.
to offer (a show, exhibit, etc.) to the public
15.
to offer for consideration
to present a plan, opportunity, etc.
16.
to give (a gift, donation, award, etc.) to a person, organization, etc.
17.
to hand over, give, or send (a bill, credentials, etc.) to someone
18.
to represent, depict, or interpret in the manner indicated
19.
to point or aim (a weapon, etc.)
20.
to nominate to an ecclesiastical benefice
21. Law
a.
to put before a legislature, court, etc. for consideration
b.
to bring a charge or indictment against
VERB INTRANSITIVEWord forms: preˈsent
22.
to come before a physician (with a particular symptom, medical history, etc.)
SIMILAR WORDS: give
Idioms:
preˈsent arms
SYNONYMY NOTE:present, gift both refer to something given as an expression of friendship, affection,

esteem, etc., but , gift more often suggests formal bestowal [Christmas presents, the painting was a gift to
the museum]; donation applies to a gift of money, etc. for a philanthropic, charitable, or religious
purpose, esp. as solicited in a public drive for funds [a donation to the orchestra fund]; gratuity applies to
a gift of money, etc. for services rendered, such as a tip to a waiter
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
All rights reserved.
Word origin
OFr < L praesens, prp. of praeesse, to be present < prae-, before (see pre-) + esse, to be (see essence);
(sense 11) OFr, in phr. mettre en present à, to put before (someone), present, offer, hence a gift
Examples of 'present' in a sentence
present
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
It said that the advert must not reappear in its present form.
TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES (2016)
She noticed that he had not given her a present that morning.
The watch was a birthday present for my wife.
Your love life will be more rewarding when you resist comparing past and present

relationships.
THE SUN (2016)
People do not seem to live in the present for large parts of their daily waking hours.
The book is presented as a series of dreams.
SMITHSONIAN MAG (2017)
None were formally presented to Mr Obama.
FEELING a little present tense?
THE SUN (2016)
The present took the form of a small wooden doll.

Many streaming sites allow viewers to gift virtual presents or real money to
broadcasters.

Show more...
Quotations
Look to this day
For it is life, the very life of lifeTHE SUFI
For present joys are more to flesh and blood

Than a dull prospect of a distant goodJOHN DRYDENTHE HINDU AND THE PANTHER
Ah, fill the cup: - what boots it to repeat

How time is slipping underneath our feet;
Unborn tomorrow, and dead yesterday,
Why fret about them if today be sweet!EDWARD FITZGERALDTHE RUBÁIYÁT OF OMAR KHAYYÁM
Presents, I often say, endear AbsentsCHARLES LAMBESSAYS OF ELIA
There is no time like the present
COBUILD Collocations
present

present a plan
present a problem
present a proposal
present a risk
present a scenario
present a threat
present a version
present a view
present a vision
present purposes
Show more...
Trends of
present
View usage for:
In other languages
present
British English: present /ˈprɛzənt/ adjective
If someone is present somewhere, they are there.
He wasn't present when they called out his name.
 American English: present /ˈprɛzənt/
 Arabic: ‫حاضِ ر‬
َ
 Brazilian Portuguese: presente
 Chinese: 现在的
 Croatian: prisutan
 Czech: přítomný
 Danish: tilstedeværende
 Dutch: aanwezig
 European Spanish: presente
 Finnish: läsnäoleva
 French: présent ici
 German: anwesend
 Greek: παρών
 Italian: presente
 Japanese: 居る
 Korean: 참석한
 Norwegian: til stede
 Polish: obecny
 European Portuguese: presente
 Romanian: prezent
 Russian: присутствующий
 Latin American Spanish: presente
 Swedish: närvarande
 Thai: ปรากฏตัว
 Turkish: var
 Ukrainian: присутній
 Vietnamese: có mặt
British English: present /ˈprɛzənt/ noun
gift A present is something that you give to someone for them to keep.
She got a present for her birthday.
 American English: present /ˈprɛzənt/ gift

 Arabic: ‫ َه ِديَّة‬
 Brazilian Portuguese: presente doação
 Chinese: 礼物
 Croatian: dar
 Czech: dárek
 Danish: gave
 Dutch: cadeau
 European Spanish: regalo
 Finnish: lahja
 French: cadeau
 German: Geschenk
 Greek: δώρο
 Italian: regalo
 Japanese: プレゼント gift
 Korean: 선물
 Norwegian: presang
 Polish: prezent podarunek
 European Portuguese: presente doação
 Romanian: cadou
 Russian: подарок
 Latin American Spanish: regalo
 Swedish: present
 Thai: ของขวัญ
 Turkish: armağan
 Ukrainian: дарунок
 Vietnamese: quà
British English: present /prɛzənt/ noun
current time The present is the period of time that is taking place now.
 American English: present /ˈprɛzənt/ time being

 Arabic: ‫حاضِ ر‬
َ
 Brazilian Portuguese: presente tempo atual
 Chinese: 现在
 Croatian: sadašnjost
 Czech: současnost
 Danish: nutiden
 Dutch: heden
 European Spanish: presente
 Finnish: nykyhetki
 French: présent actuel
 German: Gegenwart
 Greek: παρόν
 Italian: presente
 Japanese: 現在 time being
 Korean: 현재
 Norwegian: nåtid
 Polish: teraźniejszość czas teraźniejszy
 European Portuguese: presente tempo actual
 Romanian: prezent
 Russian: текущий момент
 Latin American Spanish: presente
 Swedish: nutid
 Thai: ปั จจุบน
ั
 Turkish: şu an
 Ukrainian: сьогодення
 Vietnamese: hiện tại
British English: present /prɪˈzent/ verb
If you present someone with a prize or with information, you give it to them.
The prime minister presented the prizes.
 American English: present /prɪˈzɛnt/
 Arabic: ‫ َي ْقدُم‬
 Brazilian Portuguese: apresentar
 Chinese: 授予
 Croatian: predstaviti
 Czech: předat
 Danish: præsentere
 Dutch: presenteren
 European Spanish: presentar
 Finnish: esitellä
 French: présenter montrer
 German: überreichen
 Greek: παρουσιάζω
 Italian: presentare
 Japanese: 紹介する
 Korean: 제출하다
 Norwegian: introdusere
 Polish: przedstawić
 European Portuguese: apresentar
 Romanian: a prezenta
 Russian: дарить
 Latin American Spanish: presentar
 Swedish: presentera
 Thai: ให ้
 Turkish: tanıştırmak
 Ukrainian: вручати
 Vietnamese: trao tặng
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present
 presenile dementia
 presenility
 presension
 present
 present a case
 present a conundrum
 present a danger

All ENGLISH words that begin with 'P'
Related terms of
present
 at present
 present-day
 present era
 re-present
 the present

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Source
Definition of present from the Collins English Dictionary
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Once we've did that we will start again.Once we've done that we will start again.
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Scrabble score
for 'present':
9
presentpresentpresentpresentVideo pronunciationEnglish: present1English: present2American:
presentExample sentencesCOBUILD CollocationsTrendsIn other languages
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murder scene or music scene?

Mobile signals enabled police to place them at the murder scene.Mobile signals enabled police to place
them at the music scene.
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Present: Verb Uses

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A

I bought a birthday present for my mother. [+ for]

This book would make a great Christmas present.

Synonyms: gift, offering, grant, favour More Synonyms of present

COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

present verb uses

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense presents, present participle presenting, past

If you present someone with something such as a prize or document, or if you present it to them, you

The Prime Minister presented the prizes. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging More Synonyms of present

If something presents a difficulty, challenge, or opportunity, it causes it or provides it.

If an opportunity or problem presents itself, it occurs, often when you do not expect it.

A further obstacle has presented itself, however. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

When you present information, you give it to people in a formal way.

Synonyms: put forward, offer, suggest, raise More Synonyms of present

presentationWord forms: plural presentationsVARIABLE NOUN

...a fair presentation of the facts to a jury. [+ of]

It combines slick presentation and accurate, perceptive reporting.

Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal More Synonyms of present

Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging More Synonyms of present

If you present someone or something in a particular way, you describe them in that way.

The small group of onlookers presented a pathetic sight. [VERB noun]

If you present yourself somewhere, you officially arrive there, for example for an appointment.

We presented ourselves to the authorities promptly. [VERB pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb]

If someone presents a programme on television or radio, they introduce each item in it.

REGIONAL NOTE: in AM, usually use host, introduce

When someone presents something such as a production of a play or an exhibition, they organize it.

Synonyms: put on, stage, perform, give More Synonyms of present

Allow me to present my cousin, Mr Zachary Colenso. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: introduce, make known, acquaint someone with More Synonyms of present

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Word of the day:

Word of the day:

present in British English

in existence at the moment in time at which an utterance is spoken or written

being in a specified place, thing, etc

the murderer is present in this room

now in consideration or under discussion

the present topic

the present author

present help is at hand

the present tense

a verb in this tense

present in British English

to introduce (a person) to another, esp to someone of higher rank

to introduce and compere (a radio or television show)

he presented a brave face to the world

she presented a proposal for a new book

to bring or suggest to the mind

to endow with or as if with a gift or award

to present a university with a foundation scholarship

to present one's compliments

to offer or hand over for action or settlement

to represent or depict in a particular manner

the actor presented Hamlet as a very young man

to salute someone with (one's weapon) (usually in the phrase present arms)

to aim or point (a weapon)

to nominate (a member of clergy) to a bishop for institution to a benefice in the bishop's diocese