n. 1. A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now. 2. Grammar a. The present tense. b. A verb form in the present tense. 3. presents Law The document or instrument in question: Be it known by these presents. adj. Idioms: 1. Existing or happening now; current: the present leader; present trends. 2. a. Being at hand or in attendance: Thirty guests were present at the ceremony. b. 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. at present At the present time; right now. for the present For the time being; temporarily. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praesēns, praesent-, present participle of praeesse, to be present : prae-, pre- + esse, to be; see es- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] present·ness n. |
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