Langimage
English

present

|pre/sent|

B1

/ˈprɛzənt/

current or gift

Etymology
Etymology Information

'present' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praesentare,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'esse' meant 'to be.'

Historical Evolution

'praesentare' transformed into the Old French word 'presenter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'present' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to place before,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'gift' and 'current time.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a gift or something given.

She received a beautiful present for her birthday.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to give or hand over something formally.

He presented the award to the winner.

Synonyms

Adjective 1

existing or occurring now.

The present situation is under control.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35