/ Dictionary / Index P present: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: pres•ent Pronunciation: (prez'unt), [key] — adj. being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; current: the present ruler. at this time; at hand; immediate: articles for present use. noting an action or state occurring at the moment of speaking. Knows is a present form in He knows that. noting or pertaining to a tense or other verb formation with such meaning. being with one or others or in the specified or understood place: to be present at the wedding. being here: Is everyone present? existing or occurring in a place, thing, combination, or the like: Carbon is present in many minerals. being actually here or under consideration: the present document; the present topic. being before the mind. mentally alert and calm, esp. in emergencies. immediate or instant. —n. the present time. the present tense. a verb formation or construction with present meaning. a form in the present. the present writings, or this document, used in a deed of conveyance, a lease, etc., to denote the document itself: Know all men by these presents. the matter in hand. at the present time or moment; now: There are no job openings here at present. for now; temporarily: For the present, we must be content with matters as they stand. pre•sent Pronunciation: (v.pri-zent'n.prez'&schwant), [key] — v.t. to furnish or endow with a gift or the like, esp. by formal act: to present someone with a gold watch. to bring, offer, or give, often in a formal or ceremonious way: to present one's card. afford or furnish (an opportunity, possibility, etc.). to hand over or submit, as a bill or a check, for payment: The waiter presented our bill for lunch. to introduce (a person) to another, esp. in a formal manner: Mrs. Smith, may I present Mr. Jones? to bring before or introduce to the public: to present a new play. to come to show (oneself&hasp;) before a person, in or at a place, etc. to show or exhibit: This theater will present films on a larger screen. to bring forth or render for or before another or others; offer for consideration: to present an alternative plan. to set forth in words; frame or articulate: to present arguments. to represent, impersonate, or act, as on the stage. to direct, point, or turn (something) to something or someone: He presented his back to the audience. to level or aim (a weapon, esp. a firearm). to bring against, as a formal charge against a person. to bring formally to the notice of the proper authority, as an offense. to offer or recommend (a member of the clergy) to the bishop for institution to a benefice. —n. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: present (Thesaurus) presenility presentable Related Content Daily Word Quiz: cygnet Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language