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present1

Pronunciation: /ˈprɛz(ə)nt/
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Definition of present

adjective

  • 1 [predic.] in a particular place:a doctor must be present at the ringside the speech caused embarrassment to all those present
  • existing or occurring in a place or thing:gases present in the atmosphere
  • 2 [attributive] existing or occurring now:she did not expect to find herself in her present situation
  • now being considered or discussed:the present article cannot answer every question
  • Grammar (of a tense or participle) expressing an action now going on or habitually performed, or a condition now existing.

noun

  • 1 (usually the present) the period of time now occurring:they are happy and at peace, refusing to think beyond the present
  • 2 Grammar a present tense:the verbs are all in the presentSee also historic present.

Phrases

all present and correct

used to indicate that not a single thing or person is missing.

at present

now:membership at present stands at about 5,000

for the present

for now; temporarily: they were safe enough for the present

(there is) no time like the present

an action should be done now rather than later: ‘When do you want me to leave?’ ‘No time like the present.’

present company excepted

excluding those who are here now: he’s the hardest bargainer in the business, present company excepted of course

these presents

Law, formal this document:the premises outlined in red on the Plan annexed to these presents

Origin:

Middle English: via Old French from Latin praesent- 'being at hand', present participle of praeesse, from prae 'before' + esse 'be'

present in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of present in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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