present

Universal Words adjective, noun, verb adjective 1 [onlybeforenoun] existing or happening now SYNCURRENT: in the present situation / case * the present owner of the house * a list of all club members, past and present * We do not have any more information at the present time. * (written) A few brief comments are sufficient for present purposes. * You can't use it in its present condition. -< ACTUAL 2 [notbeforenoun] ~ (at sth) (of a person) being in a particular place: Most fathers wish to be present at the birth of their child. * There were 200 people present at the meeting. * The mistake was obvious to all those present. * I wasn't present when the doctor examined him. OPPABSENT -> HELP 3 [notbeforenoun] ~ (in sth) (of a thing or a substance) existing in a particular place or thing: Levels of pollution present in the atmosphere are increasing. * Analysis showed that traces of arsenic were present in the body. OPPABSENT IDIOMS all present and correct (BrE) (AmE all present and accounted for) (spoken) used to say that all the things or people who should be there are now there present company excepted (spoken) used after being rude or critical about sb to say that the people you are talking to are not included in the criticism: The people in this office are so narrow-minded, present company excepted, of course. noun 1 a thing that you give to sb as a gift: Christmas / wedding presents * What can I get him for a birthday present? 2 (usually the present) [sing.] the time now: You've got to forget the past and start living in the present. * I'm sorry he's out at present (= now). 3 (the present) [sing.] (grammar) = THEPRESENTTENSE IDIOMS see MOMENT, TIMEn. verb [VN] give 1 ~ sb with sth