Added 3 October 2026
present
/ˈpɹɛz.ənt/ adjective
In Latin: praesens Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about present at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
Relating to now, for the time being; current.
The barbaric practice continues to the present day.
-
Located in the immediate vicinity.
Only half of all present members were present at the meeting.
- Having an immediate effect (of a medicine, poison etc.); fast-acting. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
noun
noun
verb
-
To bring (someone) into the presence of (a person); to introduce formally.
to present an envoy to the king
-
To appear or represent oneself outwardly.
With your shabby attire, you do not present well as a prospective investment banking associate!
- To nominate (a member of the clergy) for an ecclesiastical benefice; to offer to the bishop or ordinary as a candidate for institution.
Origin
From Middle English present, from Old French present, from Latin praesent-, praesens, present participle of praeesse (“to be present”), from Latin prae- (“pre-”) + esse (“to be”). Displaced Old English andweard (“present, current”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)