Emily Dickinson Lexicon

present, adj. [OFr < L. præsent-um, present, immediate, prompt, being before, being at hand.] (webplay: answer, attentive, before, birds, chamber, day, earth, existence, face, graceful, know, men, society, speak, time, year).

1. Near; in close proximity; not absent; [fig.] tangible; visible; real.
2. Alive; mortal.
3. Existing; happening; occurring; observed; perceived.
4. Available; accessible; ready; at hand.
5. There; in attendance; on the scene.
6. Current; immediate; actual.