present1
/
ˈprɛz(ə)nt/
adj.
- being or occurring in a particular place.
- existing or occurring now.
- Grammar (of a tense) expressing an action now going on or habitually performed, or a condition now existing.
n.
-
(usu. the present)
the period of time now occurring.
- Grammar a present tense or form of a verb.
Phrase
Etymology
ME: via OFr. from L. praesent- ‘being at hand’, pres. part. of praeesse, from prae ‘before’ + esse ‘be’.
present2
/
prɪˈzɛnt/
v.
- give formally or ceremonially.
▸
(present someone with)
give (something) to someone in such a way.
▸offer for acceptance or consideration.
- formally introduce to someone.
▸
(present oneself)
appear formally before others.
▸
(present someone to)
(in church use) recommend an ordained minister to a bishop for institution to (a benefice).
- put (a show or exhibition) before the public.
▸introduce and appear in (a television or radio show).
- be the cause of (a problem or difficulty).
▸exhibit (a particular appearance) to others.
▸represent to others in a particular way.
▸
(present itself)
(of an opportunity or idea) occur and be available for use or exploitation.
▸
(present with)
Medicine come forward for medical examination for a particular condition or symptom.
▸Medicine (of an illness) manifest itself.
- Medicine (of a part of a fetus) be directed towards the cervix during labour.
- aim (a firearm) at something so as to be ready to fire.
n.
(
the present)
the position of a firearm when aimed or held ready to be aimed.
Phrase
- present arms
hold a rifle vertically in front of the body as a salute.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. presenter, from L. praesentare ‘place before’, from praesent- (see present1).
present3
/
ˈprɛz(ə)nt/
n.
a thing given to someone as a gift.
Etymology
ME: from OFr., orig. in the phr. mettre une chose en present à quelqu'un ‘put a thing into the presence of a person’.
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