Pres″ent (?), a. [F. présent, L. praesens,-entis, that is before one, in sight or at hand, p. p. of praeesse to be before; prae before + esse to be. See Essence.]
1. 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. John xiv. 25.
2. 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 Shak.
3. Not delayed; immediate; instant; coincident. “A present recompense.” “A present pardon.” Shak.
An ambassador... desires a present audience. Massinger.
4. Ready; quick in emergency; as a present wit.
5. Favorably attentive; propitious.
To find a god so present to my prayer. Dryden.
Present tense(Gram.), the tense or form of a verb which expresses action or being in the present time; as, I am writing, I write, or I do write.