Etymology Map
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Present

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means existing now; a gift

Where does the word "present" come from? It comes from Latin praesens, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
praesens
Latin · ancient
"being at hand"
'prae-', before, plus 'esse', to be
2
Stage 2 of 3
present
Old French · medieval
"present"
both 'here now' and a gift, something presented
3
Stage 3 of 3
present
English · 1200s
"here now"
'present' as a gift dates from the 1200s too
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Read the full story

Present’s story begins in Latin: praesens meant “being at hand.” 'prae-', before, plus 'esse', to be. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as present. Both 'here now' and a gift, something presented. It reached English by 1200s as present. 'present' as a gift dates from the 1200s too. Today, present means existing now; a gift.