Present vs. Presented: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
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."

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Meaning
To show, introduce, or is currently happening
Indicates a completed introduction or display

Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023
Present and Presented Definitions
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Presented
Revealed or exhibited.
The symptoms presented were consistent with the diagnosis.

Sara Rehman
Sep 20, 2023
Present
A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
Made known or shown for the first time.
The company presented its new product.

Sara Rehman
Sep 20, 2023
Presented
Offered for understanding or action.
The proposal was presented to the board.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
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Present
Presents(Law) The document or instrument in question
Be it known by these presents.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display
The detective presented his badge.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
To afford or furnish
The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Being at hand or in attendance
Thirty guests were present at the ceremony.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
To turn or position in the direction of another
Presented his face to the camera.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Now being considered; actually here or involved
The present subject.
Present company excepted.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
To represent or depict in a certain manner
The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(Grammar) Designating a verb tense or form that expresses current time.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display
The detective presented his badge.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition
How Lyme disease presents in its later stages.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination
The patient presented with headache and heel pain.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To afford or furnish
The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To turn or position in the direction of another
Presented his face to the camera.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
Pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
Having a specified presentation, or a presentation with specified properties.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To represent or depict in a certain manner
The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Presented
Introduced or displayed formally.
He presented the award to the winner.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition
How Lyme disease presents in its later stages.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination
The patient presented with headache and heel pain.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Located in the immediate vicinity.
Is there a doctor present?
Several people were present when the event took place.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(obsolete) Having an immediate effect (of a medicine, poison etc.); fast-acting.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Attentive; alert; focused.
Sorry, I was distracted just now, I'll try to be more present from now on.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
A gift, especially one given for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, or any other special occasions.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(military) The position of a soldier in presenting arms.
To stand at present

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To bring (someone) into the presence of (a person); to introduce formally.
To present an envoy to the king

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(transitive) To offer (a problem, complaint) to a court or other authority for consideration.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To charge (a person) with a crime or accusation; to bring before court.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(reflexive) To come forward, appear in a particular place or before a particular person, especially formally.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(transitive) To put (something) forward in order for it to be seen; to show, exhibit.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(transitive) To make clear to one's mind or intelligence; to put forward for consideration.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(transitive) To put on, stage (a play etc.).
The theater is proud to present the Fearless Fliers.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To point (a firearm) at something, to hold (a weapon) in a position ready to fire.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(reflexive) To offer oneself for mental consideration; to occur to the mind.
Well, one idea does present itself.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To come to the attention of medical staff, especially with a specific symptom.
The patient presented with insomnia.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To appear (in a specific way) for delivery (of a fetus); to appear first at the mouth of the uterus during childbirth.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To appear or represent oneself (as having a certain gender).
At that time, Elbe was presenting as a man.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(transitive) To act as presenter on (a radio, television programme etc.).

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(transitive) To give a gift or presentation to (someone).
She was presented with an honorary degree for her services to entertainment.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(transitive) To deliver (something abstract) as though as a gift; to offer.
I presented my compliments to Lady Featherstoneshaw.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
(fandom slang) In omegaverse fiction, to have one's secondary sex (alpha, omega, or beta) become apparent, typically at puberty.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Not delayed; immediate; instant; coincident.
An ambassador . . . desires a present audience.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Favorably attentive; propitious.
To find a god so present to my prayer.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Anything presented or given; a gift; a donative; as, a Christmas present.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
The position of a soldier in presenting arms; as, to stand at present.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
A verb tense that expresses actions or states at the time of speaking

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Bring forward and present to the mind;
We presented the arguments to him
We cannot represent this knowledge to our formal reason

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Perform (a play), especially on a stage;
We are going to stage `Othello'

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Give as a present; make a gift of;
What will you give her for her birthday?

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Deliver (a speech, oration, or idea);
The commencement speaker presented a forceful speech that impressed the students

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Cause to come to know personally;
Permit me to acquaint you with my son
Introduce the new neighbors to the community

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Represent in a painting, drawing, sculpture, or verbally;
The father is portrayed as a good-looking man in this painting

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
Recognize with a gesture prescribed by a miltary regulation; assume a prescribed position;
When the officers show up, the soldiers have to salute

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
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

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Present
To formally introduce or display.
I will present the findings tomorrow.

Sara Rehman
Sep 20, 2023
Present
A gift or item given to someone.
He received a present on his birthday.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
Present
To offer for observation or consideration.
She will present her arguments in court.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
FAQs
Is Present a verb or a noun?
"Present" can be a verb, a noun, or an adjective depending on the context.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Can Presented indicate time?
No, "presented" is only related to the verb form of "present" and does not indicate time.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
How is Present used in a sentence?
"I will present my idea to the team tomorrow."

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Can Present be used to indicate time?
Yes, as an adjective, "present" can refer to the current moment.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Is Presented always formal?
Generally, "presented" suggests a formal introduction or display but can be used in informal contexts.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
Is Presented a verb or a noun?
"Presented" is a verb, specifically in the past tense or as a past participle.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
What does Presented mean?
"Presented" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "present," meaning something has been formally introduced or displayed.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Can you have Presented without being Present?
Theoretically, yes. You could have "presented" a proposal via video, for example, without being physically present.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
How is Presented used in a sentence?
"I presented my idea to the team yesterday."

Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023
Does Present have multiple meanings?
Yes, it can be a verb, a noun referring to a gift, or an adjective indicating the current time.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Does Presented have multiple meanings?
"Presented" primarily serves as the past tense or past participle of the verb "present."

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Can you be Present but not Present something?
Yes, "being present" can mean being in attendance, while "to present" means to show or introduce.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Can Present be an adjective?
Yes, it can describe something as being current or in a certain place.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
