3pres·ent 
/ˈprɛzn̩t/ adjective
/ˈprɛzn̩t/ adjective 1 a : not past or future : existing or happening now
▪ the present [=current] situation ▪ No further changes are planned at the present time. [=now] ▪ The game has existed in its present form for more than 300 years.
b — used to say what someone or something is now ▪ the company's present [=(more commonly) current] employees ▪ the present leadership of the Senate [=the people who have positions of power in the Senate now] ▪ The ceremony honors our soldiers, past and present. [=people who were soldiers in the past and people who are soldiers now] 2 a : at the particular place or event that is being referred to — often + at ▪ She was present at the meeting. — often + in ▪ There was a large crowd present in the auditorium. — sometimes used as an interjection ▪ “John Smith?” “Present!” [=here]
b : existing in something — usually + in ▪ There were high levels of lead present in the water. [=the water contained high levels of lead]
▪ the present [=current] situation ▪ No further changes are planned at the present time. [=now] ▪ The game has existed in its present form for more than 300 years.
b — used to say what someone or something is now ▪ the company's present [=(more commonly) current] employees ▪ the present leadership of the Senate [=the people who have positions of power in the Senate now] ▪ The ceremony honors our soldiers, past and present. [=people who were soldiers in the past and people who are soldiers now]
b : existing in something — usually + in ▪ There were high levels of lead present in the water. [=the water contained high levels of lead]
all present and accounted for (US) or Brit all present and correct
— used to say that all the people who are supposed to be at a place or event are there ▪ The students are all present and accounted for.
present company excepted/excluded
— used to say that a critical comment you have made about a group of people does not include the person or people you are with ▪ Men are such jerks—present company excepted/excluded, of course.
present writer
somewhat formal — used to refer to yourself as the person who is writing something ▪ No one—present writer included—thought the plan would work. [=no one, including me, thought the plan would work] ▪ She is promoting her latest movie, which the present writer has not yet seen. [=which I have not yet seen]
