Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

Presentation: Definition, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：formal talk with visual aids (presentation)

presentation 🔊

/ˌprez.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/

A formal talk where you show and explain an idea, project, or report to an audience, often using slides or other visual aids.

Student giving a presentation with slides in classroom

formal talk with visual aids 🔊

➕

/ˈfɔːrməl tɔːk wɪð ˈvɪʒuəl eɪdz/

A structured speech or demonstration to an audience, typically supported by slides, charts, or videos to explain a topic.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'praesentare' (to exhibit), from 'prae-' (before) + 'esse' (to be).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'present' + 'ation': you present your idea to an audience, like giving a gift.

📖 Example

For her final project, Sarah spent weeks preparing a presentation on renewable energy, complete with charts and a short video. 🔊 For her final project, Sarah spent weeks preparing a presentation on renewable energy, complete with charts and a short video.

🔗 Collocations

give a presentation – To deliver a formal talk or demonstration to an audience.

presentation on – A phrase used to specify the topic of a presentation, e.g., 'presentation on climate change'.

slide presentation – A presentation that uses slides, often created with software like PowerPoint.

🔄 Synonyms

lecture (n.) – A formal educational talk, especially in a university, usually without visual aids.

speech (n.) – A formal address delivered to an audience, often without slides.

demonstration (n.) – A practical showing or explanation of how something works, often with hands-on examples.

🚫 Antonyms

silence (n.) – The absence of speech or sound; opposite of giving a talk.

absence (n.) – The state of being away; opposite of presenting oneself.

🌱 Derivatives

presenter (n.) – A person who gives a presentation.

presentational (adj.) – Relating to or used for presentations.

represent (v.) – To act or speak on behalf of; also related to presenting.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally from Latin 'praesentare', meaning 'to place before'. In modern business, 'presentation' became synonymous with slide-based talks after PowerPoint's rise in the 1980s.

Meaning 2：formal giving of an honor (presentation)

presentation 🔊

/ˌprez.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/

The formal act of giving something, like an award, certificate, or gift, to someone, often in a ceremony.

Hands exchanging a gold medal during award ceremony

formal giving of an honor 🔊

➕

/ˈfɔːrməl ˈɡɪvɪŋ əv ən ˈɒnər/

The official act of handing over a prize, certificate, or gift to someone during a ceremony.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the lifetime achievement award to the retired scientist. 🔊 The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the lifetime achievement award to the retired scientist.

🔗 Collocations

presentation of an award – The act of formally giving an award to someone.

award presentation – A ceremony or event where awards are given.

presentation ceremony – A formal event where something is presented, often awards.

🔄 Synonyms

ceremony (n.) – A formal event where awards or honors are presented.

awarding (n.) – The action of presenting an official prize or distinction.

bestowal (n.) – The act of giving something as a gift or honor.

🚫 Antonyms

withholding (n.) – The act of keeping something back; opposite of giving.

retention (n.) – The act of keeping possession; opposite of giving away.

🌱 Derivatives

present (v.) – To give or show formally.

presenter (n.) – A person who presents something.

presentable (adj.) – Fit to be presented or shown.