pres·ent 1 (pr z nt)n.1. A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now. 2. Grammar a. The present tense. b. A verb form in the present tense. 3. presents Law The document or instrument in question: Be it known by these presents. adj.1. Existing or happening now; current: the present leader; present trends. 2. a. Being at hand or in attendance: Thirty guests were present at the ceremony. b. Existing in something specified: Oxygen is present in the bloodstream. 3. Now being considered; actually here or involved: the present subject; present company excepted. 4. Grammar Designating a verb tense or form that expresses current time. 5. Archaic Readily available; immediate. 6. Obsolete Alert to circumstances; attentive. Idioms: at present At the present time; right now. for the present For the time being; temporarily.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praes ns, praesent-, present participle of praeesse, to be present : prae-, pre- + esse, to be; see es- in Indo-European roots.]
pres ent·ness n. |
pre·sent 2 (pr -z nt )v. pre·sent·ed, pre·sent·ing, pre·sents v.tr.1. a. To introduce, especially with formal ceremony. b. To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony. 2. To bring before the public: present a play. 3. a. To make a gift or award of. b. To make a gift to. 4. a. To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display. See Synonyms at offer. b. To afford or furnish: The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge. c. To turn or position in the direction of another: presented his face to the camera. d. To attach (an antigen, for example) on the surface of a molecule for detection by other molecules. 5. To hold, carry, or point (a weapon) in a particular manner as a salutation or sign of honor, usually along the center axis of the body. 6. Ecclesiastical To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice. 7. Law a. To offer to a legislature or court for consideration. b. To bring a charge or indictment against. v.intr.1. To manifest as a part of a disease or medical condition. 2. To make a presentation.
[Middle English presenten, from Old French presenter, from Latin present re, to show, from praes ns, praesent-, present participle of praeesse, to be in front of; see present1.]
pre·sent er n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | presentness - the quality of being the present; "a study of the pastness of the present and...of the presentness of the past"- R.E.Spillertiming - the time when something happens futurity - the quality of being in or of the future |
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