Present Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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present
[ˈprɛz(ə)nt ]
Definitions
gift
Something that is given to someone as a way of showing appreciation, love, or gratitude. It can be a physical object, an experience, or a gesture.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| present |
Typically used in everyday contexts when referring to something given to someone on a special occasion like a birthday or holiday.
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| gift |
Can be used in both formal and informal settings to describe something given willingly to someone without payment.
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| offering |
Often used in formal or religious contexts, implying something given as a part of a ritual or as an act of devotion.
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| token |
Used to describe a small item given as a souvenir or to show appreciation, typically carrying symbolic value rather than high monetary value.
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Examples of usage
- She received a beautiful present for her birthday.
- He gave her a present to celebrate their anniversary.
time
The period of time that is happening now, the current moment. It can also refer to a ceremony or event where people gather together.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| present |
This word is often used to denote something that is happening at this very moment or existing in the current timeframe.
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| current |
This term is used to describe something happening now or related to the present time. It is often used in formal contexts.
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| now |
This term is used to refer to the immediate moment and is often used in casual contexts.
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| contemporary |
This term is used to describe something that is modern or belongs to the same time period as something else.
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Examples of usage
- Let's focus on the present and not worry about the past or future.
- The president will make a speech at the awards present.
introduce
To formally introduce someone to others, usually in a social or professional setting.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| present |
Commonly used for showing information or a performance to an audience.
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| introduce |
Used when making someone known to another person or group, or when presenting a new concept or item for the first time.
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| show |
Used in a casual context when making something visible or demonstrating how something works.
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| display |
Usually refers to arranging something so it can be seen by others, often in a public or prominent place.
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Examples of usage
- May I present my colleague, Dr. Smith?
- She presented the award to the winner of the competition.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Grammar
- 'Present' can refer to the present tense, which describes actions happening now.
- In English, we use 'simple present' and 'present continuous' to convey different types of ongoing actions.
- Understanding the use of present helps in clarity when discussing current events.
Cultural Significance
- Present-giving is a common tradition in many cultures, symbolizing goodwill, love, and appreciation.
- The concept of a birthday present has evolved into elaborate celebrations with parties and gift exchanges worldwide.
- In some cultures, gifts are opened immediately; in others, they're saved for later, reflecting cultural values around gratification.
Psychology
- Receiving a present can trigger the release of pleasure hormones like dopamine, enhancing feelings of happiness.
- The act of giving presents fosters social bonds and can strengthen relationships between friends and family.
- Mindfulness practices often emphasize the importance of being 'present' in the moment for improved mental well-being.
Literature
- In narrative writing, the present tense can create a sense of immediacy, drawing readers into the story.
- Authors like Virginia Woolf have skillfully used present time to explore characters' thoughts and emotions in real-time.
- Many poems utilize present tense to evoke immediacy and connection with the reader.
Origin of 'present'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'present' comes from the Latin word 'praesentem', which means 'to be before' or 'to be in front of'.
- In Old French, 'present' was used to refer to gifts given on special occasions.
- The word has evolved to mean both a gift and the current moment, reflecting its dual significance.
The word 'present' has a Latin origin, coming from the word 'praesent' which means 'being at hand'. It has been used in English since the 13th century with various meanings related to being in the current time or giving something to someone. Over time, it has evolved to encompass the concepts of gift-giving, current time, and formal introductions.
See also: presence, presentable, presentation, presentations, presented, presenter, presenting, presently, presents.