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Definition of 'present'

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present existing or happening now

(prezənt IPA Pronunciation Guide )
1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use present to describe things and people that exist now, rather than those that existed in the past or those that may exist in the future.
He has brought much of the present crisis on himself.
...the government's present economic difficulties.
It has been skilfully renovated by the present owners.
No statement can be made at the present time.
Synonyms: current, existing, immediate, contemporary   More Synonyms of present
2. singular noun
The present is the period of time that we are in now and the things that are happening now.
...his struggle to reconcile the past with the present.
...continuing right up to the present.
Then her thoughts would switch to the present.
3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
In grammar, the present tenses of a verb are the ones that are used to talk about things that happen regularly or situations that exist at this time. The simple present tense uses the base form or the 's' form of a verb, as in 'I play tennis twice a week' and 'She works in a bank'.
4. 
See at present
5. 
See the present day
6. 
See for the present
7. 
See there's no time like the present
More Synonyms of present
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
English Easy Learning GrammarHow do you use the present simple tense to talk about the future in English?The present simple tense is also used to talk about events that form part of a timetable or programme.
The train leaves Edinburgh at 10.10 a.m. and arrives in ...
   Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarFinite and non-finite verbsWhat are finite and non-finite verbs in English?
What are the non-finite parts of the verb in English?
How do you use the base form of a verb in English?
How ...
   Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarTenseWhat does tense mean in English grammar?
What are the simple tenses in English?
How do you form the present tense and past tense of regular verbs in English?
How ...
   Read more
Word Frequency

present being somewhere

(prezənt IPA Pronunciation Guide )
1. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If someone is present at an event, they are there.
The president was not present at the meeting. [+ at]
Nearly 85 per cent of men are present at the birth of their children. [+ at]
The whole family was present.
Synonyms: here, there, near, available   More Synonyms of present
2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If something, especially a substance or disease, is present in something else, it exists within that thing.
This special form of vitamin D is naturally present in breast milk. [+ in]
One theory is that the infection has been present in humans for a very long time.
If the gene is present, a human embryo will go on to develop as a male.
Synonyms: in existence, existing, existent, extant   More Synonyms of present
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency

present gift

(prezənt IPA Pronunciation Guide )
Word forms: plural presents
countable noun
A present is something that you give to someone, for example at Christmas or when you visit them.
The carpet was a wedding present from the Prime Minister. [+ from]
I bought a birthday present for my mother. [+ for]
This book would make a great Christmas present.
Synonyms: gift, offering, grant, favour   More Synonyms of present
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency

present verb uses

(prɪzent IPA Pronunciation Guide )
Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense presents , present participle presenting , past tense, past participle presented
1. verb
If you present someone with something such as a prize or document, or if you present it to them, you formally give it to them.
The mayor presented him with a gold medal at an official city reception. [VERB noun + with]
The Prime Minister presented the prizes. [VERB noun]
The group intended to present this petition to the parliament. [VERB noun + to]
presentation uncountable noun
Then came the presentation of the awards by the Duke. [+ of]
Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging   More Synonyms of present
2. verb
If something presents a difficulty, challenge, or opportunity, it causes it or provides it.
This presents a problem for many financial consumers. [VERB noun]
The future is going to be one that presents many challenges. [VERB noun]
This summer school presents an opportunity to experience all aspects of dance. [VERB noun]
Public policy on the family presents liberals with a dilemma. [VERB noun + with]
[Also V n to n]
3. verb
If an opportunity or problem presents itself, it occurs, often when you do not expect it.
Their colleagues insulted them whenever the opportunity presented itself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
A further obstacle has presented itself, however. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
4. verb
When you present information, you give it to people in a formal way.
We spend the time collating and presenting the information in a variety of chart forms. [VERB noun]
We presented three options to the unions for discussion. [VERB noun + to]
In effect, Parsons presents us with a beguilingly simple outline of social evolution. [VERB noun + with]
Synonyms: put forward, offer, suggest, raise   More Synonyms of present
presentation Word forms: plural presentations variable noun
...in his first presentation of the theory to the Berlin Academy.
...a fair presentation of the facts to a jury. [+ of]
It combines slick presentation and accurate, perceptive reporting.
Synonyms: debut, launch, launching, coming out   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: performance, staging, production, show   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: submission, offering, tabling, proposal   More Synonyms of present
Synonyms: appearance, look, display, packaging   More Synonyms of present
5. verb
If you present someone or something in a particular way, you describe them in that way.
The government has presented these changes as major reforms. [VERB noun + as]
The British like to present themselves as a nation of dog-lovers. [VERB noun as noun]
In Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light. [VERB noun + in]
6. verb
The way you present yourself is the way you speak and act when meeting new people.
...all those tricks which would help him to present himself in a more confident way in public. [VERB pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb]
7. verb
If someone or something presents a particular appearance or image, that is how they appear or try to appear.
The small group of onlookers presented a pathetic sight. [VERB noun]
In presenting a more professional image the party risks losing its individuality. [VERB noun]
...presenting a calm and dignified face to the world at large. [VERB noun + to]
8. verb
If you present yourself somewhere, you officially arrive there, for example for an appointment.
She was told to present herself at the Town Hall at 11.30 for the induction ceremony. [VERB pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb]
We presented ourselves to the authorities promptly. [VERB pronoun-reflexive preposition/adverb]
9. verb
If someone presents a programme on television or radio, they introduce each item in it.
[mainly British]
She presents a monthly magazine programme on the BBC. [VERB noun]
regional note:   in AM, usually use host, introduce
10. verb
When someone presents something such as a production of a play or an exhibition, they organize it.
The Lyric Theatre is presenting a new production of 'Over the Bridge'. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: put on, stage, perform, give   More Synonyms of present
11. verb
If you present someone to someone else, often an important person, you formally introduce them.
Fox stepped forward, welcomed him, and presented him to Jack. [VERB noun + to]
Allow me to present my cousin, Mr Zachary Colenso. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: introduce, make known, acquaint someone with   More Synonyms of present
12.  See also presentation
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

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present in British English 1

(ˈprɛzənt IPA Pronunciation Guide )
adjective
1. (prenominal)
in existence at the moment in time at which an utterance is spoken or written
2. (postpositive)
being in a specified place, thing, etc
the murderer is present in this room
3. (prenominal)
now in consideration or under discussion
the present topic
the present author
4.  grammar
denoting a tense of verbs used when the action or event described is occurring at the time of utterance or when the speaker does not wish to make any explicit temporal reference
5.  archaic
readily available; instant
present help is at hand
6.  archaic
mentally alert; attentive
noun
7.  See the present
8.  grammar
a. 
the present tense
b. 
a verb in this tense
9.  See at present
10.  See for the present
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin
C13: from Latin praesens, from praeesse to be in front of, from prae- before, in front + esse to be
Word Frequency

present in British English 2

verb (prɪˈzɛnt IPA Pronunciation Guide ) (mainly tr)
1. 
to introduce (a person) to another, esp to someone of higher rank
2. 
to introduce to the public
to present a play
3. 
to introduce and compere (a radio or television show)
4. 
to show; exhibit
he presented a brave face to the world
5. 
to put forward; submit
she presented a proposal for a new book
6. 
to bring or suggest to the mind
to present a problem
7. 
to give or award
to present a prize
8. 
to endow with or as if with a gift or award
to present a university with a foundation scholarship
9. 
to offer formally
to present one's compliments
10. 
to offer or hand over for action or settlement
to present a bill
11. 
to represent or depict in a particular manner
the actor presented Hamlet as a very young man
12. 
to salute someone with (one's weapon) (usually in the phrase present arms)
13. 
to aim or point (a weapon)
14. 
to nominate (a member of clergy) to a bishop for institution to a benefice in the bishop's diocese
15. 
to lay (a charge, etc) before a court, magistrate, etc, for consideration or trial
16. 
to bring a formal charge or accusation against (a person); indict
17. mainly US
(of a grand jury) to take notice of (an offence) from personal knowledge or observation, before any bill of indictment has been drawn up
18. (intransitive) medicine
a. (usually foll by with)
(of a patient) to exhibit a particular symptom or problem
she presented with postnatal depression
b. 
(of a disease or symptom) to be evident; appear
19. (intransitive) informal
to produce a favourable, etc impression
she presents well in public
he presents as harmless but has poisoned his family
20.  See present oneself
noun (ˈprɛzənt IPA Pronunciation Guide )
21. 
anything that is presented; a gift
22.  See make someone a present of something
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin
C13: from Old French presenter, from Latin praesentāre to exhibit, offer, from praesens present1
Word Frequency

present in American English

(ˈprɛzənt ; for v. priˈzɛnt ; prɪˈzɛnt )
adjective
1. 
a. 
being at the specified or understood place; at hand; in attendance
b. 
existing (in a particular thing)
nitrogen is present in the air
2. 
of or at this time; existing or happening now; in progress
3. 
now being discussed, considered, written, read, etc.
the present writer
4.  Archaic
readily available, effective, etc.
5.  Obsolete
a. 
self-possessed; collected
b. 
paying attention
6.  Grammar
indicating action as now taking place (Ex.: she goes) or state as now existing (Ex.: the plums are ripe), action that is habitual (Ex.: he speaks with an accent), or action that is always the same (Ex.: the clock strikes twelve at noon)
see also historical present
noun
7. 
the present time
8.  Obsolete
the present occasion
9.  [pl.]
a. 
the present words or writings
b.  Law
this very document
know by these presents
10.  Grammar
a. 
the present tense
b. 
a verb form in this tense
11. 
something presented, or given; gift
verb transitiveWord forms: preˈsent
12. 
to bring (a person) into the presence of, and introduce formally to, another or others
13. 
a. 
to honor (someone), esp. formally, with a gift, award, etc.
the mayor presented him with the keys to the city
b. 
to provide or confront (someone) with something
this presents us with a difficult problem
14. 
a. 
to offer for viewing or notice; exhibit; display; show
b. 
to offer (a show, exhibit, etc.) to the public
15. 
to offer for consideration
to present a plan, opportunity, etc.
16. 
to give (a gift, donation, award, etc.) to a person, organization, etc.
17. 
to hand over, give, or send (a bill, credentials, etc.) to someone
18. 
to represent, depict, or interpret in the manner indicated
19. 
to point or aim (a weapon, etc.)
20. 
to nominate to an ecclesiastical benefice
21.  Law
a. 
to put before a legislature, court, etc. for consideration
b. 
to bring a charge or indictment against
verb intransitiveWord forms: preˈsent
22. 
to come before a physician (with a particular symptom, medical history, etc.)
SIMILAR WORDS:  give
Idioms:
preˈsent arms
SYNONYMY NOTE: present, gift both refer to something given as an expression of friendship, affection, esteem, etc., but , gift more often suggests formal bestowal [Christmas presents, the painting was a gift to the museum]; donation applies to a gift of money, etc. for a philanthropic, charitable, or religious purpose, esp. as solicited in a public drive for funds [a donation to the orchestra fund]; gratuity applies to a gift of money, etc. for services rendered, such as a tip to a waiter
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin
OFr < L praesens, prp. of praeesse, to be present < prae-, before (see pre-) + esse, to be (see essence); (sense 11) OFr, in phr. mettre en present à, to put before (someone), present, offer, hence a gift
Word Frequency

present in American English 1

(ˈprezənt)
adjective
1. 
being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; current
the present ruler
2. 
at this time; at hand; immediate
articles for present use
3. Grammar
a. 
noting an action or state occurring at the moment of speaking. Knows is a present form in He knows that.
b. 
noting or pertaining to a tense or other verb formation with such meaning
4. 
being with one or others or in the specified or understood place
to be present at the wedding
5. 
being here
Is everyone present?
6. 
existing or occurring in a place, thing, combination, or the like
Carbon is present in many minerals
7. 
being actually here or under consideration
the present document
the present topic
8. 
being before the mind
9. obsolete
mentally alert and calm, esp. in emergencies
10. obsolete
immediate or instant
noun
11. 
the present time
12. Grammar
a. 
the present tense
b. 
a verb formation or construction with present meaning
c. 
a form in the present
13.  See presents
14. obsolete
the matter in hand
15.  See at present
16.  See for the present
SYNONYMS 1. extant. See current.ANTONYMS 1. absent.
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019 by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Derived forms
presentness
noun
Word origin
[1250–1300; (adj.) ME ‹ OF ‹ L praesent- (s. of praesēns) prp. of praeësse to be present, before others, i.e., to preside, be in charge; (n.) ME: presence, spatial or temporal present; partly deriv. of the adj., partly ‹ OF. See pre-, is, -ent]
Word Frequency

present in American English 2

(verb prɪˈzent, noun ˈprezənt)
transitive verb
1. 
to furnish or endow with a gift or the like, esp. by formal act
to present someone with a gold watch
2. 
to bring, offer, or give, often in a formal or ceremonious way
to present one's card
3. 
afford or furnish (an opportunity, possibility, etc.)
4. 
to hand over or submit, as a bill or a check, for payment
The waiter presented our bill for lunch
5. 
to introduce (a person) to another, esp. in a formal manner
Mrs. Smith, may I present Mr. Jones?
6. 
to bring before or introduce to the public
to present a new play
7. 
to come to show (oneself) before a person, in or at a place, etc.
8. 
to show or exhibit
This theater will present films on a larger screen
9. 
to bring forth or render for or before another or others; offer for consideration
to present an alternative plan
10. 
to set forth in words; frame or articulate
to present arguments
11. 
to represent, impersonate, or act, as on the stage
12. 
to direct, point, or turn (something) to something or someone
He presented his back to the audience
13. 
to level or aim (a weapon, esp. a firearm)
14. Law
a. 
to bring against, as a formal charge against a person
b. 
to bring formally to the notice of the proper authority, as an offense
15.  Ecclesiast Brit
to offer or recommend (a member of the clergy) to the bishop for institution to a benefice
noun
16. 
a thing presented as a gift; gift
Christmas presents
SYNONYMS 1. bestow, donate. See give. 2. proffer. 3. yield. 5. See introduce. 9. introduce. 11. enact. 16. benefaction, grant, tip, gratuity. present, gift, donation, bonus refer to something freely given. present and gift are both used of something given as an expression of affection, friendship, interest, or respect. present is the less formal; gift is generally used of something conferred (esp. with ceremony) on an individual, a group, or an institution: a birthday present; a gift to a bride. donation applies to an important gift, most often of money and usually of considerable size, though the term is often used to avoid the suggestion of charity in speaking of small gifts to or for the needy: a donation to an endowment fund, to the Red Cross. bonus applies to something, again usually money, given in addition to what is due, esp. to employees who have worked for a long time or particularly well: a bonus at the end of the year.
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019 by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Word origin
[1175–1225; (n.) ME ‹ OF, orig. in phrase en present in presence ( see present1); (v.) ME presenten ‹ OF presenter ‹ ML praesentāre to give, show, present for approval, L: to exhibit (to the mind or senses), deriv. of praesēns present1]

Examples of 'present' in a sentence
present

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company HarperCollins.
We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to the Collins team. Read more…
This time of year presents a culinary conundrum.
The Guardian (2016)
No wonder he chooses to live in the present.
The Guardian (2016)
And they mine the present as well as the past.
The Guardian (2018)
Members of his young family were present for that one.
The Guardian (2019)
They did this by altering accounts given by police officers who were present on the day.
The Guardian (2021)
FEELING a little present tense?
The Sun (2016)
The present system is not fit for purpose.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Week two of our special photographic supplement presents outstanding examples of beauty frozen by the camera.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Your blend of ideas and a businesslike way of presenting them gets results.
The Sun (2014)
The challenge could have presented the Prime Minister with a serious political problem.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)

Quotations

Look to this day
For it is life, the very life of life
The Sufi
For present joys are more to flesh and blood
Than a dull prospect of a distant good
John DrydenThe Hindu and the Panther
Ah, fill the cup: - what boots it to repeat
How time is slipping underneath our feet;
Unborn tomorrow, and dead yesterday,
Why fret about them if today be sweet!
Edward FitzgeraldThe Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám
Presents, I often say, endear AbsentsCharles LambEssays of Elia
There is no time like the present

COBUILD Collocations
present
 

present a plan
present a problem
present a proposal
present a risk
present a scenario
present a threat
present a version
present a view
present a vision
present purposes
present regime
present status
presenting symptom
wrap a present

Trends of
present

View usage for:

In other languages
present

British English: present /ˈprɛzənt/ ADJECTIVE
If someone is present somewhere, they are there.
He wasn't present when they called out his name.
  • American English: present /ˈprɛzənt/
  • Arabic: حَاضِر
  • Brazilian Portuguese: presente
  • Chinese: 现在的
  • Croatian: prisutan
  • Czech: přítomný
  • Danish: tilstedeværende
  • Dutch: aanwezig
  • European Spanish: presente
  • Finnish: läsnäoleva
  • French: présent ici
  • German: anwesend
  • Greek: παρών
  • Italian: presente
  • Japanese: 居る
  • Korean: 참석한
  • Norwegian: til stede
  • Polish: obecny
  • European Portuguese: presente
  • Romanian: prezent
  • Russian: присутствующий
  • Latin American Spanish: presente
  • Swedish: närvarande
  • Thai: ปรากฏตัว
  • Turkish: var
  • Ukrainian: присутній
  • Vietnamese: có mặt
British English: present /ˈprɛzənt/ NOUN
gift A present is something that you give to someone for them to keep.
She got a present for her birthday.
  • American English: present /ˈprɛzənt/ gift
  • Arabic: هَدِيَّة
  • Brazilian Portuguese: presente doação
  • Chinese: 礼物
  • Croatian: dar
  • Czech: dárek
  • Danish: gave
  • Dutch: cadeau
  • European Spanish: regalo
  • Finnish: lahja
  • French: cadeau
  • German: Geschenk
  • Greek: δώρο
  • Italian: regalo
  • Japanese: プレゼント gift
  • Korean: 선물
  • Norwegian: presang
  • Polish: prezent podarunek
  • European Portuguese: presente doação
  • Romanian: cadou
  • Russian: подарок
  • Latin American Spanish: regalo
  • Swedish: present
  • Thai: ของขวัญ
  • Turkish: armağan
  • Ukrainian: дарунок
  • Vietnamese: quà
British English: present /prɛzənt/ NOUN
current time The present is the period of time that is taking place now.
  • American English: present /ˈprɛzənt/ time being
  • Arabic: حَاضِر
  • Brazilian Portuguese: presente tempo atual
  • Chinese: 现在
  • Croatian: sadašnjost
  • Czech: současnost
  • Danish: nutiden
  • Dutch: heden
  • European Spanish: presente
  • Finnish: nykyhetki
  • French: présent actuel
  • German: Gegenwart
  • Greek: παρόν
  • Italian: presente
  • Japanese: 現在 time being
  • Korean: 현재
  • Norwegian: nåtid
  • Polish: teraźniejszość czas teraźniejszy
  • European Portuguese: presente tempo actual
  • Romanian: prezent
  • Russian: текущий момент
  • Latin American Spanish: presente
  • Swedish: nutid
  • Thai: ปัจจุบัน
  • Turkish: şu an
  • Ukrainian: сьогодення
  • Vietnamese: hiện tại
British English: present /prɪˈzent/ VERB
If you present someone with a prize or with information, you give it to them.
The prime minister presented the prizes.
  • American English: present /prɪˈzɛnt/
  • Arabic: يَقْدُم
  • Brazilian Portuguese: apresentar
  • Chinese: 授予
  • Croatian: predstaviti
  • Czech: předat
  • Danish: præsentere
  • Dutch: presenteren
  • European Spanish: presentar
  • Finnish: esitellä
  • French: présenter montrer
  • German: überreichen
  • Greek: παρουσιάζω
  • Italian: presentare
  • Japanese: 紹介する
  • Korean: 제출하다
  • Norwegian: introdusere
  • Polish: przedstawić
  • European Portuguese: apresentar
  • Romanian: a prezenta
  • Russian: дарить
  • Latin American Spanish: presentar
  • Swedish: presentera
  • Thai: ให้
  • Turkish: tanıştırmak
  • Ukrainian: вручати
  • Vietnamese: trao tặng

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Browse alphabetically
present

  • presenilin
  • presenility
  • presension
  • present
  • present a case
  • present a challenge
  • present a concept

  • All ENGLISH words that begin with 'P'

Related terms of
present

  • at present
  • present-day
  • present era
  • re-present
  • the present

  • View more related words

Source

Definition of present from the Collins English Dictionary
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Question: 1
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hour or our?

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hour
our
I only slept for an   that night.

sail or sale?

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They are trying to limit the sail of sugary drinks. They are trying to limit the sale of sugary drinks.

key or quay?

Which version is correct?
She reached for her car key. She reached for her car quay.

him or hymn?

Which version is correct?
I find it difficult to choose my favourite him. I find it difficult to choose my favourite hymn.

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beat
beet
She could hear the   of his heart.
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Sep 01, 2022
Word of the day
Gothic
Gothic architecture and religious art was produced in the Middle Ages. Its features include tall pillars , high curved ceilings , and pointed arches.
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In today's Learning English post we are looking at some words which can be used differently in British and American English: boot and trunk. Improve your English with Collins. Read more
National Radio Day
With 20 August marking National Radio Day, we talk about all things radio, from its invention to common terminology in use today. Read more
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Scrabble score
for 'present':
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Question: 1
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seam or seem?

Drag the correct answer into the box.
seem
seam
I   to remember giving you very precise instructions.

passed or past?

Which version is correct?
I dashed passed him and out of the door. I dashed past him and out of the door.

taught or taut?

Which version is correct?
George taught me how to ride a horse. George taut me how to ride a horse.

currant or current?

Which version is correct?
I offered him a currant bun with his tea. I offered him a current bun with his tea.

morning or mourning?

Drag the correct answer into the box.
mourning
morning
Anger is part of the   process.
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What’s the difference between anniversary and birthday?
This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: anniversary and birthday. Improve your English with Collins. August 29, 2022 Read more
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