At present Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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at present

[ət ˈprɛz(ə)nt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

time

at the present time; now.

Synonyms

currently, currently, now.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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?

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'at present'

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.