present

At the place being discussed, or existing in a particular place.

• Everyone was present today.
• Were you present at the meeting?
• The same chemical is present in both samples.

How to use it: present at something (All the parents were present at the meeting.); present in something (Small amounts of salt are present in the water.)

Similar words: there, in attendance

Opposites: absent

Common phrases: be present, present at something, present in something

Existing or happening now.

• Our present home is too small.
• The present owner bought the house last year.
• These traditions continue to the present day.

Similar words: current, existing

Opposites: past, future

Common phrases: present day, present situation, present owner

Used to refer to the particular text, discussion, or matter being considered here.

• The present study examines how children learn.
• That question falls outside the present discussion.
• The present chapter gives three examples of this approach.

Similar words: this

Common phrases: present study, present paper, present discussion

Something you give someone to celebrate a special day or show that you care.

• This present is for you.
• We opened our presents after breakfast.
• Did you bring her a birthday present?

How to use it: present for someone (I bought a present for my sister.)

Similar words: gift

Common phrases: birthday present, give a present, present for someone

The time we are living in now.

• Try to enjoy the present.
• At present, we have no spare rooms.
• Her stories connect the past with the present.

Similar words: now

Opposites: past, future

Common phrases: the present, at present, in the present

A position in which a soldier holds a gun upright in front of the body as a salute.

• The guard stood at present.
• The soldiers held their rifles at present.
• At the command, the platoon moved to the present.

Common phrases: at present, position of present

Poo left by a child or animal, described jokingly as a gift.

• The puppy left a present on the rug.
• There was a smelly present in his nappy.
• Our cat leaves little presents behind the sofa.

Similar words: poo

Common phrases: little present, leave a present, unwelcome present

To give or show something to someone, often during an official event.

• They presented her with a prize.
• Please present your ticket at the entrance.
• He will present his report to the committee.

How to use it: present something to someone (The mayor presented a medal to the winner.); present someone with something (They presented her with a silver cup.)

Similar words: give, award, show

Common phrases: present an award, present something to someone, present someone with something