Translate present | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of present
verb
[with object] 1 (
present something to)
give something to (someone) formally or ceremonially:a top executive will present an award to employees who built the F-150 (
present someone with)
give someone (something) ceremonially:my students presented me with some flowers show or offer (something) for others to scrutinize or consider:he stopped and presented his passport formally introduce (someone) to someone else:may I present my wife? proffer (compliments or good wishes) in a formal manner:may I present the greetings of my master? formally deliver (a check or bill) for acceptance or payment:a check presented by Mr. Jackson was returned by the bank Law bring (a complaint, petition, or evidence) formally to the notice of a court. (of a company or producer) put (a show or exhibition) before the public.
2bring about or be the cause of (a problem or difficulty):this should not present much difficulty exhibit (a particular state or appearance) to others:the EC presented a united front over the crisis represent (someone) to others in a particular way, typically one that is false or exaggerated:he presented himself as a hardworking man (
present oneself)
come forward into the presence of another or others, especially for a formal occasion; appear:he failed to present himself in court (
present itself)
(of an opportunity or idea) occur and be available for use or exploitation:when a favorable opportunity presented itself, he would submit his proposition [no object] (often
present with)
Medicine (of a patient) come forward for or undergo initial medical examination for a particular condition or symptom:the patient presented with mild clinical encephalopathy [no object] Medicine (of a part of a fetus) be directed toward the cervix during labor. [no object] Medicine (of an illness) manifest itself.
3hold out or aim (a firearm) at something so as to be ready to fire:they were to present their rifles, take aim, and fire
