pres·ent¹ (prĕźənt)

---

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praesēns, praesent- present participle of praeesse, to be present, prae-, pre-, + esse, to be.]

noun 

1. A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now.
2. Grammar
   1. The present tense.
   2. A verb form in the present tense.
3. Law The document or instrument in question: Be it known by these presents.

adjective 

1. Existing or happening now; current: the present leader; present trends.
2. 1. Being at hand or in attendance: Thirty guests were present at the ceremony.
   2. Existing in something specified: Oxygen is present in the bloodstream.
3. Now being considered; actually here or involved: the present subject; present company excepted.
4. Grammar Designating a verb tense or form that expresses current time.
5. Archaic Readily available; immediate.
6. Obsolete Alert to circumstances; attentive.

idioms

at present

At the present time; right now.

for the present

For the time being; temporarily.

derivatives

preśent·ness

noun

pre·sent² (prĭ-zĕnt́)

---

[Middle English presenten, from Old French presenter, from Latin presentāre, to show, from praesēns, praesent- present participle of praeesse, to be in front of; see present¹.]

verb: -sent·ed, -sent·ing, -sents. 

transitive verb 

1. 1. To introduce, especially with formal ceremony.
   2. To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.
2. To bring before the public: present a play.
3. 1. To make a gift or award of.
   2. To make a gift to.
4. 1. To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display. See synonyms at offer
   2. To afford or furnish: The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.
   3. To turn or position in the direction of another: presented his face to the camera.
   4. To attach (an antigen, for example) on the surface of a molecule for detection by other molecules.
5. To hold, carry, or point (a weapon) in a particular manner as a salutation or sign of honor, usually along the center axis of the body.
6. Ecclesiastical To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice.
7. Law
   1. To offer to a legislature or court for consideration.
   2. To bring a charge or indictment against.

intransitive verb 

1. To manifest as a part of a disease or medical condition.
2. To make a presentation.

noun 

1. Something presented; a gift.
2. The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.

derivatives

pre·sent́er

noun