English pronunciation · Words Starting with P
Present Pronunciation
Present is pronounced PRE-zuhnt, IPA /ˈprɛzənt/.
PRE-zuhnt
US /ˈprɛzənt/
Syllables: PRE · zuhnt (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun, adjective, and verb: As a noun a gift or the current time, as an adjective here rather than absent, and as a verb to give or show something formally.
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Two Ways to Say Present
The pronunciation changes with the meaning or the part of speech. The form above is the most common; the others are:
- pri-ZENT, the verb (to present something): /pɝˈzɛnt/ (pree-ZENT)
Present in a Sentence
- The present was still in its brown paper wrapping.
- Everyone was present except the chairman.
- He will present the findings on Monday.
Common Mispronunciations of Present
Not PRE-zuhnt for the verb
To present something moves the weight onto the second beat. Only the gift and the adjective keep it up at the front.
Not PRE-suhnt
That middle s buzzes into a z in every reading of the word, noun or verb.
Tip: Present the gift rhymes with pleasant; present the verb rhymes with resent.
More words starting with p · Every word in the pronunciation guide