Present1  —adj. 1 (usu. Predic.) Being in the place in question. 2 a now existing, occurring, or being such. B now being considered etc. (in the present case). 3 gram. Expressing an action etc. Now going on or habitually performed (present participle). —n. (prec. By the) 1 the time now passing (no time like the present). 2 gram. Present tense.  at present now. By these presents law by this document. For the present just now; for the time being. [latin praesens -ent-]