present [2]
vb mainly tr
1 to introduce (a person) to another, esp. to someone of higher rank
2 to introduce to the public
to present a play
3 to introduce and compere (a radio or television show)
4 to show; exhibit
he presented a brave face to the world
5 to put forward; submit
she presented a proposal for a new book
6 to bring or suggest to the mind
to present a problem
7 to give or award
to present a prize
8 to endow with or as if with a gift or award
to present a university with a foundation scholarship
9 to offer formally
to present one's compliments
10 to offer or hand over for action or settlement
to present a bill
11 to represent or depict in a particular manner
the actor presented Hamlet as a very young man
12 to salute someone with (one's weapon) (usually in the phrase present arms)
13 to aim or point (a weapon)
14 to nominate (a clergyman) to a bishop for institution to a benefice in his diocese
15 to lay (a charge, etc.) before a court, magistrate, etc., for consideration or trial
16 to bring a formal charge or accusation against (a person); indict
17 (Chiefly U.S.) (of a grand jury) to take notice of (an offence) from personal knowledge or observation, before any bill of indictment has been drawn up
18 intr (Med, psychol, etc.) to seek treatment for a particular symptom or problem
she presented with postnatal depression
19 intr
Informal to produce a favourable, etc. impression
she presents well in public, he presents as harmless but has poisoned his family
20 ♦
present oneself to appear, esp. at a specific time and place
n
21 anything that is presented; a gift
22 ♦
make someone a present of something to give someone something
I'll make you a present of a new car
(C13: from Old French presenter, from Latin praesentare to exhibit, offer, from praesens present1)