Present vs. Absent: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 26, 2023
Present indicates being in a particular place or situation, while absent denotes the lack of presence or non-existence.
Difference Between Present and Absent
Present, in its primary sense, denotes the existence or occurrence of something in a certain location or moment. It could pertain to a person, item, or phenomenon that is currently in a specified place or situation. For example, when a student is in the classroom during roll call, they are marked as present.
Muazma Batool
Nov 26, 2023
Absent, on the contrary, signifies the non-existence or non-occurrence in a particular context or setting. A person or thing is absent if they are not found in the expected or usual place. When a student is not in the classroom when their name is called out, they are considered absent.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 26, 2023
The word present can also mean a gift or something given to someone without the intention of receiving anything in return. In this context, absent doesn't have a direct opposite meaning, but can indicate the lack of a gift or gesture.
Muazma Batool
Nov 26, 2023
In another context, when present is used to describe something evident or obvious, it signifies that a certain feature or characteristic is noticeable. Absent, in this usage, means the said characteristic or feature is missing or not detectable.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 26, 2023
Both terms are used in various contexts beyond physical location. They can refer to states of mind, qualities in a piece of work, or attributes of an object. A flavor can be present in a dish, or it might be absent, indicating its detectability or lack thereof.
Nolan
Nov 26, 2023
Present vs. Absent Comparison Chart
Basic Meaning
Being in a particular place or situation
Not being in a particular place or situation
Muazma Batool
Nov 26, 2023
Temporal Context
Refers to the current moment or time
Not relevant to the current time or moment
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 26, 2023
Usage in Grammatical Sense
Used as an adjective, noun, and verb
Mostly used as an adjective
Muazma Batool
Nov 26, 2023
Present vs. Absent Definitions
◉Present
A moment or period in time perceptible as intermediate between past and future; now.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
presents(Law) The document or instrument in question
Be it known by these presents.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
pre·sent (prĭ-zĕnt) The position of a rifle or other weapon when presented.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
Existing or happening now; current
the present leader.
present trends.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
Being at hand or in attendance
Thirty guests were present at the ceremony.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
Existing in something specified
Oxygen is present in the bloodstream.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absent
Without
"Absent a legislative fix, this is an invitation for years of litigation" (Brian E. O'Neill).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
Now being considered; actually here or involved
the present subject.
present company excepted.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absent
(not comparable) Being away from a place; withdrawn from a place; not present; missing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(Grammar) Designating a verb tense or form that expresses current time.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absent
(not comparable) Not existing; lacking.
The part was rudimental or absent.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absent
(comparable) Inattentive to what is passing; absent-minded; preoccupied.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absent
(with definite article) Something absent, especially absent people collectively; those who were or are not there.
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May 03, 2023
◉Absent
In the absence of; without; except.
Absent taxes modern governments cannot function.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
To offer for observation, examination, or consideration; show or display
The detective presented his badge.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absent
(reflexive) To keep (oneself) away.
Most of the men are retired, jobless, or have otherwise temporarily absented themselves from the workplace.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
To afford or furnish
The situation presented us with a chance to improve our knowledge.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
To turn or position in the direction of another
presented his face to the camera.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
To represent or depict in a certain manner
The movie presents bankers as greedy and coldhearted.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absent
Inattentive to what is passing; absent-minded; preoccupied; as, an absent air.
What is commonly called an absent man is commonly either a very weak or a very affected man.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
To introduce (a young woman) to society with conventional ceremony.
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May 03, 2023
◉Absent
To take or withdraw (one's self) to such a distance as to prevent intercourse; - used with the reflexive pronoun.
If after due summons any member absents himself, he is to be fined.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
To be evident or manifest. Used of a disease or condition
how Lyme disease presents in its later stages.
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May 03, 2023
◉Absent
lost in thought; showing preoccupation;
an absent stare
an absentminded professer
the scatty glancing quality of a hyperactive but unfocused intelligence
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
To exhibit symptoms or signs during a medical examination
The patient presented with headache and heel pain.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
Located in the immediate vicinity.
Is there a doctor present?
Several people were present when the event took place.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
(obsolete) Having an immediate effect (of a medicine, poison etc.); fast-acting.
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
Attentive; alert; focused.
Sorry, I was distracted just now, I'll try to be more present from now on.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
A gift, especially one given for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, or any other special occasions.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(military) The position of a soldier in presenting arms.
to stand at present
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
To bring (someone) into the presence of (a person); to introduce formally.
to present an envoy to the king
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(transitive) To offer (a problem, complaint) to a court or other authority for consideration.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
To charge (a person) with a crime or accusation; to bring before court.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(reflexive) To come forward, appear in a particular place or before a particular person, especially formally.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(transitive) To put (something) forward in order for it to be seen; to show, exhibit.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(transitive) To make clear to one's mind or intelligence; to put forward for consideration.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(transitive) To put on, stage (a play etc.).
The theater is proud to present the Fearless Fliers.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
To point (a firearm) at something, to hold (a weapon) in a position ready to fire.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(reflexive) To offer oneself for mental consideration; to occur to the mind.
Well, one idea does present itself.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
To come to the attention of medical staff, especially with a specific symptom.
The patient presented with insomnia.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
To appear (in a specific way) for delivery (of a fetus); to appear first at the mouth of the uterus during childbirth.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
To appear or represent oneself (as having a certain gender).
At that time, Elbe was presenting as a man.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
(transitive) To act as presenter on (a radio, television programme etc.).
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(transitive) To give a gift or presentation to (someone).
She was presented with an honorary degree for her services to entertainment.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(transitive) To give (a gift or presentation) to someone; to bestow.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(transitive) To deliver (something abstract) as though as a gift; to offer.
I presented my compliments to Lady Featherstoneshaw.
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
(fandom slang) In omegaverse fiction, to have one's secondary sex (alpha, omega, or beta) become apparent, typically at puberty.
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
Not delayed; immediate; instant; coincident.
An ambassador . . . desires a present audience.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
Favorably attentive; propitious.
To find a god so present to my prayer.
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
A present tense, or the form of the verb denoting the present tense.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
Anything presented or given; a gift; a donative; as, a Christmas present.
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
The position of a soldier in presenting arms; as, to stand at present.
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
a verb tense that expresses actions or states at the time of speaking
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
bring forward and present to the mind;
We presented the arguments to him
We cannot represent this knowledge to our formal reason
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
perform (a play), especially on a stage;
we are going to stage `Othello'
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
give, especially as a reward;
bestow honors and prizes at graduation
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
give as a present; make a gift of;
What will you give her for her birthday?
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
deliver (a speech, oration, or idea);
The commencement speaker presented a forceful speech that impressed the students
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
cause to come to know personally;
permit me to acquaint you with my son
introduce the new neighbors to the community
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
represent in a painting, drawing, sculpture, or verbally;
The father is portrayed as a good-looking man in this painting
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May 03, 2023
◉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
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May 03, 2023
◉Present
recognize with a gesture prescribed by a miltary regulation; assume a prescribed position;
When the officers show up, the soldiers have to salute
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May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Present
Existing or occurring in a place or situation.
Lisa is present at the meeting.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
Present vs. Absent Frequently Asked Questions
How can "present" be used in a sentence regarding time?
We should focus on the present moment.
Muazma Batool
Nov 26, 2023
Can someone be physically present but mentally absent?
Yes, it means they are physically there but not mentally engaged.
Muazma Batool
Nov 26, 2023
When do we say a person is "absent" in a professional setting?
When they are not attending a meeting or event.
Leo
Nov 26, 2023
In grammar, what does the "present" tense signify?
It indicates actions or states occurring in the current moment.
Kaitlyn
Nov 26, 2023
What does "present" generally mean?
Being in a specific place or state of existence.
Muazma Batool
Nov 26, 2023
What does "absent" indicate in terms of attendance?
It signifies that someone is not in attendance.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 26, 2023
How is "present" used in the context of gifts?
A "present" can mean a gift given to someone.
Olivia
Nov 26, 2023
Can "absent" be used as a verb?
Yes, e.g., "She chose to absent herself from the discussion."
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 26, 2023
How do "present" and "absent" relate in terms of emotional availability?
A person can be physically present but emotionally absent, meaning they are not fully engaged or attentive.
Kaitlyn
Nov 26, 2023
Content Creators
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Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
