Main Difference
The main difference between Present and Gift is that the Present is a moment in time and Gift is a object given without the expectation of payment.
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Present
The present (or here and now) is the time that is associated with the events perceived directly and in the first time, not as a recollection (perceived more than once) or a speculation (predicted, hypothesis, uncertain). It is a period of time between the past and the future, and can vary in meaning from being an instant to a day or longer. In radiocarbon dating, the “present” is defined as AD 1950.
It is sometimes represented as a hyperplane in space-time, typically called “now”, although modern physics demonstrates that such a hyperplane cannot be defined uniquely for observers in relative motion. The present may also be viewed as a duration (see specious present).
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Gift
A gift or a present is an item given to someone without the expectation of payment or anything in return. An item is not a gift if that item is already owned by the one to whom it is given. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free. In many countries, the act of mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may sustain social relations and contribute to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy. By extension the term gift can refer to any item or act of service that makes the other happier or less sad, especially as a favor, including forgiveness and kindness. Gifts are also first and foremost presented on occasions such as birthdays and holidays.
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Present (adjective)
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.”
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Present (adjective)
Located in the immediate vicinity.
“Is there a doctor present?”
“Several people were present when the event took place.”
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Present (adjective)
Having an immediate effect (of a medicine, poison etc.); fast-acting. 16th-18th c.
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Present (adjective)
Not delayed; immediate; instant.
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Present (adjective)
Ready; quick in emergency.
“a present wit”
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Present (adjective)
Favorably attentive; propitious.
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Present (adjective)
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.”
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Present (adjective)
Attentive; alert; focused.
“Sorry, I was distracted just now, I’ll try to be more present from now on.”
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Present (noun)
The current moment or period of time.
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Present (noun)
The present tense.
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Present (noun)
A gift, especially one given for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, or any other special occasions.
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Present (noun)
The position of a presenting arms.
“to stand at present”
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Present (verb)
To bring (someone) into the presence of (a person); to introduce formally. from 14th c.
“to present an envoy to the king”
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Present (verb)
To nominate (a member of the clergy) for an ecclesiastical benefice; to offer to the bishop or ordinary as a candidate for institution. from 14th c.
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Present (verb)
To offer (a problem, complaint) to a court or other authority for consideration. from 14th c.
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Present (verb)
To charge (a person) with a crime or accusation; to bring before court. from 14th c.
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Present (verb)
To come forward, appear in a particular place or before a particular person, especially formally. from 14th c.
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Present (verb)
To put (something) forward in order for it to be seen; to show, exhibit. from 14th c.
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Present (verb)
To make clear to one’s mind or intelligence; to put forward for consideration. from 14th c.
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Present (verb)
To put on, stage (a play etc.). from 16th c.
“The theater is proud to present the Fearless Fliers.”
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Present (verb)
To point (a firearm) at something, to hold (a weapon) in a position ready to fire. from 16th c.
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Present (verb)
To offer oneself for mental consideration; to occur to the mind. from 16th c.
“Well, one idea does present itself.”
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Present (verb)
To come to the attention of medical staff, especially with a specific symptom. from 19th c.
“The patient presented with insomnia.”
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Present (verb)
To appear (in a specific way) for delivery (of a fetus); to appear first at the mouth of the uterus during childbirth. from 18th c.
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Present (verb)
To appear or represent oneself (as having a certain gender).
“At that time, Elbe was presenting as a man.”
“I was presenting as a boy / a girl / a man / a woman / (a) male / (a) female / masculine / feminine”
“female-presenting nipples”
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Present (verb)
To act as presenter on (a radio, television programme etc.). from 20th c.
“w|Anne Robinson presents “w|The Weakest Link (UK game show)|The Weakest Link”.”
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Present (verb)
To give a gift or presentation to (someone). from 14th c.
“She was presented with an honorary degree for her services to entertainment.”
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Present (verb)
To give (a gift or presentation) to someone; to bestow. from 14th c.
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Present (verb)
To deliver (something abstract) as though as a gift; to offer. from 14th c.
“I presented my compliments to Lady Featherstoneshaw.”
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Present (verb)
To hand over (a bill etc.) to be paid. from 15th c.
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Present (verb)
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. from 20th c.
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Gift (noun)
Something given to another voluntarily, without charge.
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Gift (noun)
A talent or natural ability.
“She had a gift for playing the flute.”
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Gift (noun)
Something gained incidentally, without effort.
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Gift (noun)
The act, right, or power of giving or bestowing.
“The office is in the gift of the President.”
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Gift (verb)
To give as a gift or donation.
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Gift (verb)
To give away, to concede easily.