Present vs. Presented: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 2023
"Present" can be a verb meaning to introduce formally, a noun referring to a gift, or an adjective indicating the current time. "Presented" is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "present."
Key Differences
"Present" is a versatile word, functioning as a verb, noun, or adjective. As a verb, it means to formally introduce or display something or someone. "Presented," meanwhile, serves as the past tense and the past participle of the verb "present," indicating that the action of presenting has been completed.
In a meeting, one may "present" a new idea or proposal. After the meeting, it's correct to say the idea was "presented" to the team. In this context, "present" describes an ongoing or future action, while "presented" relates to an action that has been concluded.
When "present" functions as an adjective, it denotes something that is here or happening now, such as "the present moment." This form of "present" has no equivalent in "presented," which is only related to the verb form of "present."
From a grammatical perspective, "present" serves as a verb in its base form, a noun, and an adjective. "Presented," however, only serves as a verb and specifically in the past tense or as a past participle. They have different roles, but when "present" serves as a verb, "presented" is its temporal extension, showing the completion of the action.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun, Adjective
Verb (past tense or past participle)
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Tense
Present, unless used as noun or adjective
Past
Verb Form
Base form
Past tense or past participle
Usage in Sentence
"I will present my idea."
"I presented my idea."
Meaning
To show, introduce, or is currently happening
Indicates a completed introduction or display
Present and Presented Definitions
Present
Being in a certain place.
All members are present at the meeting.
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Presented
Revealed or exhibited.
The symptoms presented were consistent with the diagnosis.
Present
A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now.
Presented
Made known or shown for the first time.
The company presented its new product.
Present
The present tense.
Presented
Offered for understanding or action.
The proposal was presented to the board.
Present
A verb form in the present tense.
Presented
To make a gift or award of
Presented the medal to the winner.
Present
Presents(Law) The document or instrument in question
Be it known by these presents.
Presented
To make a gift to
Presented the winner with a medal.
Present
Pres·ent (prĕzənt) Something presented; a gift.
Presented
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display
The detective presented his badge.
Present
Pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.
Presented
To offer (a play, for example) for public entertainment.
Present
Existing or happening now; current
The present leader.
Present trends.
Presented
To afford or furnish
The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.
Present
Being at hand or in attendance
Thirty guests were present at the ceremony.
Presented
To turn or position in the direction of another
Presented his face to the camera.
Present
Existing in something specified
Oxygen is present in the bloodstream.
Presented
(Immunology) To display (an antigen) on the cell surface. Used especially of cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells, where the displayed antigen activates T cells as part of an immune response.
Present
Now being considered; actually here or involved
The present subject.
Present company excepted.
Presented
To represent or depict in a certain manner
The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted.
Present
(Grammar) Designating a verb tense or form that expresses current time.
Presented
To introduce, especially with formal ceremony.
Present
(Archaic) Readily available; immediate.
Presented
To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.
Present
(Obsolete) Alert to circumstances; attentive.
Presented
To hold, carry, or point (a weapon) in a particular manner as a salutation or sign of honor, usually along the center axis of the body.
Present
To make a gift or award of
Presented the medal to the winner.
Presented
(Ecclesiastical) To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice.
Present
To make a gift to
Presented the winner with a medal.
Presented
To make a presentation.
Present
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display
The detective presented his badge.
Presented
To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition
How Lyme disease presents in its later stages.
Present
To offer (a play, for example) for public entertainment.
Presented
To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination
The patient presented with headache and heel pain.
Present
To afford or furnish
The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.
Presented
Pres·ent (prĕzənt) Something presented; a gift.
Present
To turn or position in the direction of another
Presented his face to the camera.
Presented
Pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.
Present
(Immunology) To display (an antigen) on the cell surface. Used especially of cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells, where the displayed antigen activates T cells as part of an immune response.
Presented
Having a specified presentation, or a presentation with specified properties.
Present
To represent or depict in a certain manner
The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted.
Presented
Simple past tense and past participle of present
Present
To introduce, especially with formal ceremony.
Presented
Given formally or officially
Present
To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.
Presented
Introduced or displayed formally.
He presented the award to the winner.
Present
To hold, carry, or point (a weapon) in a particular manner as a salutation or sign of honor, usually along the center axis of the body.
Presented
Given or provided.
The facts were presented clearly.
Present
(Ecclesiastical) To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice.
Present
To make a presentation.
Present
To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition
How Lyme disease presents in its later stages.
Present
To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination
The patient presented with headache and heel pain.
Present
Relating to now, for the time being; current.
The barbaric practice continues to the present day.
The present manager has been here longer than the last one.
Up to the present day.
The present manager has been here longer than the last one.
Up to the present day.
Present
Located in the immediate vicinity.
Is there a doctor present?
Several people were present when the event took place.
Present
(obsolete) Having an immediate effect (of a medicine, poison etc.); fast-acting.
Present
(obsolete) Not delayed; immediate; instant.
Present
(dated) Ready; quick in emergency.
A present wit
Present
(obsolete) Favorably attentive; propitious.
Present
Relating to something a person is referring to in the very context, with a deictic use similar to the demonstrative adjective this.
In the present study,
The present article,
The present results.
Present
Attentive; alert; focused.
Sorry, I was distracted just now, I'll try to be more present from now on.
Present
The current moment or period of time.
Present
(grammar) The present tense.
Present
A gift, especially one given for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, or any other special occasions.
Present
(military) The position of a soldier in presenting arms.
To stand at present
Present
To bring (someone) into the presence of (a person); to introduce formally.
To present an envoy to the king
Present
(transitive) To nominate (a member of the clergy) for an ecclesiastical benefice; to offer to the bishop or ordinary as a candidate for institution.
Present
(transitive) To offer (a problem, complaint) to a court or other authority for consideration.
Present
To charge (a person) with a crime or accusation; to bring before court.
Present
(reflexive) To come forward, appear in a particular place or before a particular person, especially formally.
Present
(transitive) To put (something) forward in order for it to be seen; to show, exhibit.
Present
(transitive) To make clear to one's mind or intelligence; to put forward for consideration.
Present
(transitive) To put on, stage (a play etc.).
The theater is proud to present the Fearless Fliers.
Present
To point (a firearm) at something, to hold (a weapon) in a position ready to fire.
Present
(reflexive) To offer oneself for mental consideration; to occur to the mind.
Well, one idea does present itself.
Present
To come to the attention of medical staff, especially with a specific symptom.
The patient presented with insomnia.
Present
To appear (in a specific way) for delivery (of a fetus); to appear first at the mouth of the uterus during childbirth.
Present
To appear or represent oneself (as having a certain gender).
At that time, Elbe was presenting as a man.
Present
(transitive) To act as presenter on (a radio, television programme etc.).
Present
(transitive) To give a gift or presentation to (someone).
She was presented with an honorary degree for her services to entertainment.
Present
(transitive) To give (a gift or presentation) to someone; to bestow.
Present
(transitive) To deliver (something abstract) as though as a gift; to offer.
I presented my compliments to Lady Featherstoneshaw.
Present
(transitive) To hand over (a bill etc.) to be paid.
Present
To display one's female genitalia in a way that signals to others that one is ready for copulation. Also referred to as lordosis behaviour.
Present
(fandom slang) In omegaverse fiction, to have one's secondary sex (alpha, omega, or beta) become apparent, typically at puberty.
Present
Being at hand, within reach or call, within certain contemplated limits; - opposed to absent.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
Present
Now existing, or in process; begun but not ended; now in view, or under consideration; being at this time; not past or future; as, the present session of Congress; the present state of affairs; the present instance.
I'll bring thee to the present business
Present
Not delayed; immediate; instant; coincident.
An ambassador . . . desires a present audience.
Present
Ready; quick in emergency; as a present wit.
Present
Favorably attentive; propitious.
To find a god so present to my prayer.
Present
Present time; the time being; time in progress now, or at the moment contemplated; as, at this present.
Past and present, wound in one.
Present
Present letters or instrument, as a deed of conveyance, a lease, letter of attorney, or other writing; as in the phrase, " Know all men by these presents," that is, by the writing itself, " per has literas praesentes; " - in this sense, rarely used in the singular.
Present
A present tense, or the form of the verb denoting the present tense.
Present
Anything presented or given; a gift; a donative; as, a Christmas present.
Present
The position of a soldier in presenting arms; as, to stand at present.
Present
To bring or introduce into the presence of some one, especially of a superior; to introduce formally; to offer for acquaintance; as, to present an envoy to the king; (with the reciprocal pronoun) to come into the presence of a superior.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the lord.
Present
To exhibit or offer to view or notice; to lay before one's perception or cognizance; to set forth; to present a fine appearance.
Lectorides's memory is ever . . . presenting him with the thoughts of other persons.
Present
To pass over, esp. in a ceremonious manner; to give in charge or possession; to deliver; to make over.
So ladies in romance assist their knight,Present the spear, and arm him for the fight.
Present
To make a gift of; to bestow; to give, generally in a formal or ceremonious manner; to grant; to confer.
My last, least offering, I present thee now.
Present
Hence: To endow; to bestow a gift upon; to favor, as with a donation; also, to court by gifts.
Octavia presented the poet for him admirable elegy on her son Marcellus.
Present
To present; to personate.
Present
To nominate to an ecclesiastical benefice; to offer to the bishop or ordinary as a candidate for institution.
The patron of a church may present his clerk to a parsonage or vicarage; that is, may offer him to the bishop of the diocese to be instituted.
Present
To nominate for support at a public school or other institution .
Present
To appear at the mouth of the uterus so as to be perceptible to the finger in vaginal examination; - said of a part of an infant during labor.
Present
The period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech;
That is enough for the present
He lives in the present with no thought of tomorrow
Present
Something presented as a gift;
His tie was a present from his wife
Present
A verb tense that expresses actions or states at the time of speaking
Present
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
Present
Bring forward and present to the mind;
We presented the arguments to him
We cannot represent this knowledge to our formal reason
Present
Perform (a play), especially on a stage;
We are going to stage `Othello'
Present
Hand over formally
Present
Introduce;
This poses an interesting question
Present
Give, especially as a reward;
Bestow honors and prizes at graduation
Present
Give as a present; make a gift of;
What will you give her for her birthday?
Present
Deliver (a speech, oration, or idea);
The commencement speaker presented a forceful speech that impressed the students
Present
Cause to come to know personally;
Permit me to acquaint you with my son
Introduce the new neighbors to the community
Present
Represent in a painting, drawing, sculpture, or verbally;
The father is portrayed as a good-looking man in this painting
Present
Present somebody with something, usually to accuse or criticize;
We confronted him with the evidence
He was faced with all the evidence and could no longer deny his actions
An enormous dilemma faces us
Present
Formally present a debutante, a representative of a country, etc.
Present
Recognize with a gesture prescribed by a miltary regulation; assume a prescribed position;
When the officers show up, the soldiers have to salute
Present
Temporal sense; intermediate between past and future; now existing or happening or in consideration;
The present leader
Articles for present use
The present topic
The present system
Present observations
Time past
His youth is past
This past Thursday
The past year
Present
Spatial sense; being or existing in a specified place;
The murderer is present in this room
Present at the wedding
Present at the creation
Present
To formally introduce or display.
I will present the findings tomorrow.
Present
The current moment in time.
We should focus on the present.
Present
A gift or item given to someone.
He received a present on his birthday.
Present
To offer for observation or consideration.
She will present her arguments in court.
FAQs
Is Present a verb or a noun?
"Present" can be a verb, a noun, or an adjective depending on the context.
What does Present mean?
"Present" can be a verb meaning to formally introduce, a noun referring to a gift, or an adjective indicating current time.
Can Presented indicate time?
No, "presented" is only related to the verb form of "present" and does not indicate time.
How is Present used in a sentence?
"I will present my idea to the team tomorrow."
Can Present be used to indicate time?
Yes, as an adjective, "present" can refer to the current moment.
Is Presented always formal?
Generally, "presented" suggests a formal introduction or display but can be used in informal contexts.
Is Presented a verb or a noun?
"Presented" is a verb, specifically in the past tense or as a past participle.
What does Presented mean?
"Presented" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "present," meaning something has been formally introduced or displayed.
Can you have Presented without being Present?
Theoretically, yes. You could have "presented" a proposal via video, for example, without being physically present.
How is Presented used in a sentence?
"I presented my idea to the team yesterday."
Does Present have multiple meanings?
Yes, it can be a verb, a noun referring to a gift, or an adjective indicating the current time.
Does Presented have multiple meanings?
"Presented" primarily serves as the past tense or past participle of the verb "present."
Can you be Present but not Present something?
Yes, "being present" can mean being in attendance, while "to present" means to show or introduce.
Can Present be an adjective?
Yes, it can describe something as being current or in a certain place.
Is Present always formal?
Not necessarily; it depends on the context.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
