How to pronounce present
Say it like PREZ-unt. Present has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREZ).
- PREZ
- unt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Noun or adjective: 'PREZ-unt'. Verb: 'prih-ZENT'.
Present pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PREZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- untKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of present
American and British speakers say present in essentially the same way: /ˈprɛzənt/ in the US and /ˈprɛzənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: PREZ-unt.
Other ways to say present
Present also has these pronunciations, usually with a different meaning or use:
- pree-ZENT /priˈzɛnt/
- per-ZENT /pɚˈzɛnt/
What does present mean?
- Relating to now, for the time being; current.“The barbaric practice continues to the present day.”
- Located in the immediate vicinity.“Only half of all present members were present at the meeting.”
- Ready; quick in emergency.“a present wit”
- The current moment or period of time.
- The present tense.
- A gift, especially one given for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, or any other special occasions.“wedding present”
- The position of a soldier in presenting arms.“The platoon stands at present.”
Where does present come from?
From Middle English present, from Old French present, from Latin praesent-, praesens, present participle of praeesse (“to be present”), from Latin prae- (“pre-”) + esse (“to be”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with present
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of present.
Questions about saying present
How do you pronounce present?
Say PREZ-unt. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɛzənt/. In British English it is /ˈprɛzənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in present?
Present has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREZ). Broken into parts: PREZ · unt.
Do Americans and Brits say present the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprɛzənt/ and the British form is /ˈprɛzənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.