At present: meaning, definitions and examples

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at present

 

[ ət ˈprɛz(ə)nt ]

Adverb / Noun
Context #1 | Adverb

time

at the present time; now.

Synonyms

currently, currently, now.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
at present

Use this phrase in formal or professional settings to indicate the current time frame, often implying a temporary status that may change.

  • At present, the company is considering new business strategies
  • At present, we are not hiring new employees
currently

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, 'currently' suggests an ongoing action or state at the moment of speaking or writing.

  • I am currently working on a new project
  • The website is currently under maintenance
now

This word is used in everyday conversations and informal writing to refer to the immediate present time.

  • I am eating dinner now
  • Can we talk now?

Examples of usage

  • I am busy at present.
  • We are not accepting any new applications at present.
Context #2 | Noun

formal

a period of time that is happening now.

Synonyms

at the moment, currently, now.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
at present

Formal writing or speeches to indicate a current situation.

  • At present, the company is focusing on expanding its market share.
  • There are no further updates on the project at present.
now

General term for immediate present, used in everyday conversations or instructions.

  • Now is the time to act.
  • I'm heading to the store now.
currently

Used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate what is happening right now; often seen in reports or updates.

  • The school is currently closed due to renovation.
  • I am currently taking a break from my studies.
at the moment

Informal contexts, like everyday conversations, to describe what is happening now.

  • I can't talk right now; I'm busy at the moment.
  • We're out of stock at the moment.

Examples of usage

  • The company is doing well at present.
  • At present, we are focused on expanding our business.

Translations

Translations of the word "at present" in other languages:

🇵🇹 no presente

🇮🇳 वर्तमान में (vartamaan mein)

🇩🇪 gegenwärtig

🇮🇩 saat ini

🇺🇦 наразі

🇵🇱 obecnie

🇯🇵 現在 (genzai)

🇫🇷 à présent

🇪🇸 en el presente

🇹🇷 şu anda

🇰🇷 현재 (hyeonjae)

🇸🇦 حاليًا (ḥāliyyan)

🇨🇿 v současné době

🇸🇰 v súčasnosti

🇨🇳 目前 (mùqián)

🇸🇮 trenutno

🇮🇸 

🇰🇿 қазіргі уақытта (qazirgi waqitta)

🇬🇪 ახლა (akhla)

🇦🇿 hazırda

🇲🇽 en el presente

Etymology

The phrase 'at present' originated in the mid-16th century, combining the preposition 'at' with the adjective 'present' to indicate the current moment in time. Over the years, it has become a common adverbial phrase used to denote the current state or time of an action or situation.