to give or award esp formally or ceremonially(+ with) to allow (somebody) to gain something without effort(+ to) to give (something) formally or ceremonially The Mayor will present the prizes this year(+ with) to give or award something to (somebody) formally or ceremonially(+ with) to allow (somebody) to gain something without effort These circumstances presented them with their best opportunity(+ with) to force (somebody) to deal with a problem or difficultyto introduce (somebody) formallyto bring (e.g. a play or performer) before the publicto act as a presenter of (e.g. a television or radio programme)to offer (a particular type of appearance) to the view of others; to show or exhibit (something)to submit (something written) for approval or considerationto describe or explain (e.g. a plan, idea, or policy) in a particular wayto act the part of or perform (somebody or something), esp in a particular or distinctive way(often + to) to constitute or pose (a problem or difficulty)formal to aim, point, or direct (e.g. a weapon) so as to face something or in a particular direction(+ to) to nominate (a clergyman) to a benefice (ecclesiastical office) verb intrans(usu + with) to come forward for medical examination, esp showing particular symptoms A patient rarely presents during the vesicular phase — A B Wadeto be seen, esp in a particular form; to appear a tumour that presents as an axillary mass present arms to hold a weapon, esp a rifle, upright in front of the body as a salutepresent itself said esp of an opportunity or circumstance: to arise; to come aboutpresent oneself to be present; to appear [Middle English presenten via Old French presenter from Latin praesentare, from praesent-, praesens: see present3]
in or at a particular or specified placeexisting in something mentioned or understoodnow existing or in progresscurrently doing something or being discussed, dealt with, or considerednow existing or in progress Time present and time past are both perhaps present in time future — T S Eliotcurrently active or relevant the present writerdenoting or relating to a verb tense that expresses time now existing or the time of speakingpresentness noun[Middle English via Old French from Latin praesent-, praesens, present part. of praeesse to be before one, from prae- + esse to be]
(the present) the time now in progressin language, a verb form describing a current event or stateformal (in pl) the present words or statementsat present nowfor the present now and for some time in the future; for the time being