A1 noun Neutral #271 most common

present

/ˈprez.ənt/

A present is an object that you give to someone, typically on a special occasion or to show your gratitude. It is usually something that is given for free to make the recipient feel happy or appreciated.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I bought a birthday present for my sister yesterday.

I bought a birthday gift for my sister yesterday.

2

Please accept this small present as a token of our gratitude.

Please accept this small gift as a sign of our thanks.

3

Look at this cool present I got from my friend!

Look at this great gift I received from my friend!

Word Family

Noun
present
Verb
present
Adverb
presently
Adjective
present
Related
presentation
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Memory Tip

A 'present' is 'presently' in your hand because someone wants to see you smile.

Quick Quiz

I received a beautiful _______ for my birthday from my parents.

Correct!

The correct answer is: present

Examples

1

I bought a birthday present for my sister yesterday.

everyday

I bought a birthday gift for my sister yesterday.

2

Please accept this small present as a token of our gratitude.

formal

Please accept this small gift as a sign of our thanks.

3

Look at this cool present I got from my friend!

informal

Look at this great gift I received from my friend!

4

The study explores the social significance of giving a present within a community.

academic

The research looks at the social importance of giving a gift in a group.

5

The company sent a holiday present to all its major clients.

business

The firm sent a holiday gift to all its main customers.

Word Family

Noun
present
Verb
present
Adverb
presently
Adjective
present
Related
presentation

Common Collocations

birthday present a gift given on someone's birthday
wrap a present to cover a gift in paper
open a present to take the paper off a gift
Christmas present a gift given at Christmas time
give a present to hand a gift to someone

Common Phrases

at present

currently or right now

birthday present

a gift for a birthday

Christmas present

a gift for Christmas

Often Confused With

present vs gift

'Present' is often used for personal items between friends/family, while 'gift' can be more formal or describe a natural talent.

present vs presence

'Presence' is the state of being in a place, while 'present' is the object being given.

📝

Usage Notes

When used as a noun meaning 'gift', the stress is on the first syllable: PRE-sent. It is a countable noun.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often stress the second syllable (pre-SENT), which is the verb form meaning to show or give a speech.

💡

Memory Tip

A 'present' is 'presently' in your hand because someone wants to see you smile.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French word 'present', referring to something brought before someone as a gift.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one present, two presents Commonly follows the verbs: give, get, buy, receive, wrap, or open The plural form is 'presents'
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Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, it is common to wrap presents in colorful paper and include a small card.

Quick Quiz

I received a beautiful _______ for my birthday from my parents.

Correct!

The correct answer is: present

Related Words

arbiter

B2

An arbiter is a person or authority who has the power to settle a dispute or decide what is right, acceptable, or fashionable. It can refer to a formal legal role or a metaphorical judge of cultural and social standards.

arbitrarily

C2

To act in a way that is based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system. It often implies a decision-making process that is perceived as unfair or lacking logical justification.

arbitrariness

C1

The quality of being based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason, system, or logical necessity. It often describes decisions, rules, or actions that appear unfair or unpredictable because they lack a clear underlying principle.

arbitrator

C2

A neutral third party officially appointed to settle a dispute between two conflicting parties outside of a court of law. Their role is to hear evidence from both sides and issue a final, typically legally binding, decision known as an award.

arboreal

B2

Arboreal describes animals that live in trees or things relating to trees. It is most commonly used in biological contexts to distinguish tree-dwelling species from those that live on the ground or in water.

appreciate

B2

To recognize the full worth or quality of something, or to be grateful for a gesture or action. It can also mean to understand a situation fully or to increase in value over time.

approbate

C1

To formally or officially sanction, approve, or authorize an action, document, or status. It is typically used in legal, ecclesiastical, or high-level administrative contexts to indicate authoritative validation.

approve

C1

Officially sanctioned or accepted as being of an adequate standard or satisfying certain requirements. It describes something that has received formal authorization or endorsement from a person or body in authority.

apropos

B2

Something that is apropos is very appropriate or relevant to a particular situation or subject being discussed. It describes a remark, action, or timing that fits perfectly with the current circumstances.

arboretum

C1

A botanical garden specifically devoted to the cultivation and exhibition of a wide variety of trees and shrubs for scientific or educational purposes. It serves as a living collection of woody plants, often featuring rare or non-native species.

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