Presents vs. Present — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 25, 2024
Presents are gifts given to someone on special occasions, symbolizing thoughtfulness and affection, while "present" refers to being in a specific place or time, or can denote a gift as well.
Difference Between Presents and Present
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Presents are usually tangible items given as gifts during celebrations such as birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries to express affection, appreciation, or to honor a special occasion. On the other hand, the word "present" can function as a noun, verb, or adjective, indicating something given, the act of giving, being in a specific place, or the current moment in time.
Presents are selected with the recipient in mind, often personalized or chosen according to the individual's preferences and needs. Whereas "present" as a noun can also mean a gift, but when used as an adjective or verb, it shifts to denote the act of introducing or making something known, or the state of being in a particular location or moment.
The act of giving presents is a social ritual that strengthens bonds and communicates value and emotions without words. On the other hand, being present emphasizes the importance of now and encourages mindfulness and engagement with the current situation or environment.
Choosing presents involves consideration of the recipient's tastes, needs, and the message the giver wishes to convey. In contrast, being present requires awareness and attention, whether it's actively participating in a meeting, enjoying a moment, or listening to someone.
The cultural significance and traditions surrounding presents vary widely across societies, reflecting values, social norms, and historical contexts. Meanwhile, the concept of being present touches on universal themes of mindfulness, presence of mind, and the philosophical importance of "the present" in various cultural, spiritual, and psychological practices.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Physical gifts given to others
Being in a specific place or time; also a gift
Purpose
To express affection, appreciation, or celebration
To denote location, time, or the act of giving
Context
Social occasions, celebrations
Varied, including formal presentations, time reference, or attendance
Emotional Value
High, symbolizes thoughtfulness
Variable, depending on context (emotional when referring to gifts)
Usage
Primarily as a noun
Noun, verb, and adjective
Compare with Definitions
Presents
A gift given to someone on a special occasion.
She received many presents on her birthday.
Present
To introduce or make known.
He will present his findings at the conference.
Presents
Physical symbols of appreciation.
He bought presents for his teachers at the end of the year.
Present
Being in a particular place.
She was present at the meeting yesterday.
Presents
Surprises intended to delight or please.
The children made homemade presents for Mother's Day.
Present
A gift, in the sense of something given.
The award was a present from the community.
Presents
Tokens to commemorate milestones or achievements.
Graduation presents included books and electronic gadgets.
Present
Existing or happening now.
The present situation requires immediate attention.
Presents
Items given to express affection or honor.
The presents under the Christmas tree were wrapped beautifully.
Present
The current moment or period.
We need to focus on the present and not dwell on the past.
Presents
A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now.
Present
The present (or here and now) is the time that is associated with the events perceived directly and in the first time, not as a recollection (perceived more than once) or a speculation (predicted, hypothesis, uncertain). It is a period of time between the past and the future, and can vary in meaning from being an instant to a day or longer.
Presents
The present tense.
Present
A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now.
Presents
A verb form in the present tense.
Present
The present tense.
Presents
Presents(Law) The document or instrument in question
Be it known by these presents.
Present
A verb form in the present tense.
Presents
Pres·ent (prĕzənt) Something presented; a gift.
Present
Presents(Law) The document or instrument in question
Be it known by these presents.
Presents
Pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.
Present
Pres·ent (prĕzənt) Something presented; a gift.
Presents
Existing or happening now; current
The present leader.
Present trends.
Present
Pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.
Presents
Being at hand or in attendance
Thirty guests were present at the ceremony.
Present
Existing or happening now; current
The present leader.
Present trends.
Presents
Now being considered; actually here or involved
The present subject.
Present company excepted.
Present
Being at hand or in attendance
Thirty guests were present at the ceremony.
Presents
(Grammar) Designating a verb tense or form that expresses current time.
Present
Now being considered; actually here or involved
The present subject.
Present company excepted.
Presents
(Archaic) Readily available; immediate.
Present
(Grammar) Designating a verb tense or form that expresses current time.
Presents
(Obsolete) Alert to circumstances; attentive.
Present
(Archaic) Readily available; immediate.
Presents
To make a gift or award of
Presented the medal to the winner.
Present
(Obsolete) Alert to circumstances; attentive.
Presents
To make a gift to
Presented the winner with a medal.
Present
To make a gift or award of
Presented the medal to the winner.
Presents
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display
The detective presented his badge.
Present
To make a gift to
Presented the winner with a medal.
Presents
To offer (a play, for example) for public entertainment.
Present
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display
The detective presented his badge.
Presents
To afford or furnish
The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.
Present
To offer (a play, for example) for public entertainment.
Presents
To turn or position in the direction of another
Presented his face to the camera.
Present
To afford or furnish
The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.
Presents
(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
To turn or position in the direction of another
Presented his face to the camera.
Presents
To represent or depict in a certain manner
The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted.
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.
Presents
To introduce, especially with formal ceremony.
Present
To represent or depict in a certain manner
The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted.
Presents
To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.
Present
To introduce, especially with formal ceremony.
Presents
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 introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.
Presents
(Ecclesiastical) To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice.
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.
Presents
To make a presentation.
Present
(Ecclesiastical) To recommend (a cleric) for a benefice.
Presents
To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition
How Lyme disease presents in its later stages.
Present
To make a presentation.
Presents
To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination
The patient presented with headache and heel pain.
Present
To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition
How Lyme disease presents in its later stages.
Presents
Plural of present
Present
To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination
The patient presented with headache and heel pain.
Presents
(law) The document in which the word presents appears.
Know all men by these presents...
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
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
Common Curiosities
Why is being present important?
Being present is important for mindfulness, engagement, and making the most of the current moment.
How do I choose a present?
Choose a present based on the recipient's preferences, needs, and the message you wish to convey.
Can present also mean a gift?
Yes, "present" can also mean a gift, similar to "presents".
What are presents?
Presents are gifts given to someone on special occasions to express affection, appreciation, or to celebrate.
What does it mean to be present?
To be present means to be in a specific place or time, or to focus on the current moment.
What is the significance of being present in a conversation?
Being present in a conversation signifies attentiveness, respect, and engagement with the speaker.
What makes a good present?
A good present is thoughtful, suits the recipient's tastes, and conveys the intended message or sentiment.
How can I be more present in my daily life?
Practice mindfulness, minimize distractions, and actively engage with your surroundings and people.
How does culture affect the giving of presents?
Cultural values, traditions, and social norms significantly influence the selection, giving, and interpretation of presents.
What is the difference between a present and a gift?
"Present" and "gift" are often used interchangeably, though "present" may imply a more formal or ceremonial giving.
What are some common occasions for giving presents?
Common occasions include birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, graduations, and as tokens of appreciation.
Can being present affect my mental health?
Yes, being present can positively affect mental health by reducing stress and increasing contentment and awareness.
How does the concept of being present vary across cultures?
The importance of being present and how it's practiced can vary, reflecting different cultural values around mindfulness and social engagement.
Is it better to give presents or experiences?
The choice between giving presents or experiences depends on the recipient's preferences and what you wish to communicate through the gift.
How do traditions influence present giving?
Traditions dictate the types of presents given, how they're wrapped, and the occasions on which they're given.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
