present
High FrequencyNeutral (used in formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To give or offer something formally; a gift; being in a place or existing now.
Includes introducing someone, the current time, or displaying something; can imply formality or ceremony.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Functions as verb, noun, or adjective with stress differences: verb stress on second syllable, noun/adjective on first. Meanings are context-dependent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor pronunciation variations; in American English, 'gift' is often preferred over 'present' for the noun meaning, while British English uses 'present' more commonly for gifts.
Connotations
Similar connotations, with 'present' as a verb often formal in both variants. As a noun, it may feel slightly more informal in American English.
Frequency
High frequency in both, with noun usage for 'gift' slightly more common in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
present something to someonepresent someone with somethingpresent as (e.g., present as a problem)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at present”
- “for the present”
- “present arms”
- “make a present of”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To present a proposal or financial report in meetings.
Academic
To present research findings or a thesis at conferences.
Everyday
To give a present on special occasions or be present at events.
Technical
In medicine, to present symptoms; in linguistics, to denote present tense.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She will present the honours at the palace ceremony.
- They presented a cheque to the charity.
American English
- He presented his driver's license at the checkpoint.
- The lawyer presented the evidence in court.
adjective
British English
- The present government is facing scrutiny.
- All guests were present at the wedding.
American English
- The present situation requires immediate action.
- Is everyone present for the roll call?
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a present for your birthday.
- He is not present in class today.
- She presented her project to the teacher.
- At present, we are on holiday.
- The team presented their findings to the board of directors.
- The present economic climate is uncertain.
- His speech presented a compelling argument for change.
- The artefacts present a window into ancient civilisation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'presence'—when you are present, you are here, and when you present something, you bring it here for others.
Conceptual Metaphor
Time as a gift: the present is a gift to be used wisely; presence as a state of being available.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing 'present' as a gift (подарок) with 'present' as current time (настоящее).
- Verb 'present' may be overtranslated as представлять, which has broader meanings like 'to introduce' or 'to imagine'.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing stress: using /ˈpreznt/ for verb or /prɪˈzent/ for noun/adjective.
- Using 'present' as a verb in overly formal contexts where 'give' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
What is the standard British IPA for the noun 'present'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is frequently used as both, with context determining the meaning; as a noun for 'gift' or 'current time', and as a verb for 'to give or show'.
For the verb, stress the second syllable (pre-SENT); for the noun and adjective, stress the first syllable (PRE-sent).
No, 'present' is not standardly used as an adverb; the adverb form is 'presently', meaning 'soon' or 'currently'.
Mainly pronunciation and frequency: British English uses 'present' more often for gifts, while American English may prefer 'gift'. Pronunciation differs slightly, especially for the noun/adjective form.
Collections
Part of a collection
Shopping
A2 · 50 words · Vocabulary for buying and selling goods.