26984 words

presents

27 definitions • 57 examples
1
something that you are given, without asking for it, on a special occasion, especially to show friendship, or to say thank you:

Examples:

2
the period of time that is happening now, not the past or the future:

Examples:

That's all for the present.
in the present The play is set in the present.
3
the form of the verb that is used to show what happens or exists now:

Examples:

in the present The verb in this sentence is in the present.
His English is basic, and he always speaks in the present.
It is interesting that she uses the present, not the past, when talking about her relationship with Brad.
4
now:

Examples:

"Are you busy?" "Not at present."
5
in a particular place:

Examples:

The whole family was present.
There were no children present.
6

Examples:

I don't have her present address.
Please state your present occupation and salary.
7
to give, provide, or make something known:

Examples:

be presented with The winners were presented with medals.
present someone with a problem The letter presented the family with a problem that would be difficult to solve.
present someone with something The documentary presented us with a balanced view of the issue.
present something to someone He presented the report to his colleagues at the meeting.
The classroom presented a cheerful busy atmosphere to the visitors (= appeared to them to have this).
The school is presenting (= performing) "West Side Story" as its end-of-term production.
8
to introduce a television or radio show:

Examples:

She presents the late-night news.
9
to introduce a person:

Examples:

present someone to someone Later on I'd like to present you to the headteacher.
10
to arrive somewhere and introduce yourself:

Examples:

He presented himself at the doctor's at 9.30 a.m. as arranged.
You should present yourselves at the front desk at 8 o'clock in the morning.
He presented himself to the Criminal Tribunal in The Hague.
She presented herself at the abbey to begin her life as a nun.
I presented myself to the supervisor, eager to begin work.
11
If something presents itself, it happens:

Examples:

When a challenge to his authority presented itself, he dealt with it firmly.
She opted for cash over comfort whenever the choice presented itself.
I would be open to taking up a directorship should the right opportunity present itself.
After a couple of successful years, a new hurdle presented itself.
12
to show or describe someone or something in a particular way:

Examples:

present someone/something as something EU leaders presented the agreement as a victory for all.
He presented himself as someone who knows his rights.
Make sure you present your complaint in a way that sounds constructive, not critical.
13
14
(of an illness) to show itself in a particular way:

Examples:

present as Bone cancer generally presents as pain in the area of the tumour.
15
something that is given without being asked for, esp. on a special occasion or to say thank you; a gift:

Examples:

16
this period of time, not the past or the future; now:

Examples:

The story moves back and forth between the past and the present.
17
(in grammar) having the tense of a verb used to describe actions, events, or states that are happening or existing at this time:

Examples:

Her book is written entirely in the present tense.
18
having the tense of a verb used to describe actions, events, or states that are happening or existing at this time:

Examples:

Her book is written entirely in the present tense.
19
in a particular place:

Examples:

The mayor was present during the entire meeting.
20
to give, show, provide, or make known:

Examples:

The mayor presented five firefighters with medals for saving people’s lives.
Dr. Gottlieb will present her research in a series of lectures this spring.
21
If you present yourself, you go to someone or make yourself known to someone:

Examples:

Paul Groncki presented himself to the receptionist on the 41st floor.
22
If something presents itself, it happens or takes place:

Examples:

23
to cause something:

Examples:

Falling tax revenues present a problem for the city.
24
to introduce a person:

Examples:

I’m pleased to present my son, Charles.
25
to offer your thoughts, ideas, plans, etc., to others for them to consider:

Examples:

He will present a detailed explanation of the new sales campaign at the next meeting.
26
to give a bill, cheque, document, etc., to someone:

Examples:

Today a store scans your goods, and you simply present your credit card and sign your name.
present sb with sth Organizers presented her with a check for $25,000.
present sth to sb We presented our passports to the customs officer.
27
if someone or something presents a problem, opportunity, etc., they create it:

Examples:

The shake-out in bank shares may well have presented an opportunity for bargain hunters.
be presented with sth He was presented with a tough choice.

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