~ 1 [ 'prɛz(ə)nt ]
■ adjective
1》 being or occurring in a particular place.
2》 existing or occurring now.
3》 Grammar (of a tense) expressing an action now going on or habitually performed, or a condition now existing.
■ noun
1》 (usu. the ~ ) the period of time now occurring.
2》 Grammar a ~ tense or form of a verb.
Phrases
at ~ now.
for the ~ for now; temporarily.
the ~ day the ~; now: [as modifier ] ~-day technological developments.
these ~s Law, formal this document.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. praesent- 'being at hand', pres. participle of praeesse , from prae 'before' + esse 'be'.
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~ 2 [ prɪ'zɛnt ]
■ verb
1》 give formally or ceremonially.
↘( ~ someone with ) give (something) to someone in such a way.
↘offer for acceptance or consideration.
2》 formally introduce to someone.
↘( ~ oneself ) appear formally before others.
↘( ~ someone to ) (in church use) recommend an ordained minister to a bishop for institution to (a benefice).
3》 put (a show or exhibition) before the public.
↘introduce and appear in (a television or radio show).
4》 be the cause of (a problem or difficulty).
↘exhibit (a particular appearance) to others.
↘re~ to others in a particular way.
↘( ~ itself ) (of an opportunity or idea) occur and be available for use or exploitation.
↘( ~ with ) Medicine come forward for medical examination for a particular condition or symptom.
↘ Medicine (of an illness) manifest itself.
5》 Medicine (of a part of a fetus) be directed towards the cervix during labour.
6》 aim (a firearm) at something so as to be ready to fire.
■ noun ( the ~ ) the position of a firearm when aimed or held ready to be aimed.
Phrases
~ arms hold a rifle vertically in front of the body as a salute.
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~er , from L. praesentare 'place before', from praesent- (see ~ 1 ).
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~ 3 [ 'prɛz(ə)nt ]
■ noun a thing given to someone as a gift.
Origin
ME: from OFr., orig. in the phr. mettre une chose en ~ à quelqu'un 'put a thing into the presence of a person'.