oxford english dictionary presentation definition

• Dictionaries home
• American English
• Collocations
• German-English
• Grammar home
• Practical English Usage
• Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
• Word Lists home
• My Word Lists
• Recent additions
• Resources home
• Text Checker

Definition of presentation noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

presentation

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

• 3 [ countable ] a meeting at which something, especially a new product or idea, or piece of work, is shown to a group of people The sales manager will give a presentation on the new products.
• 4 [ countable ] the series of computer slides (= images) that accompany the talk when someone gives a presentation at a meeting I put my presentation on a memory stick.
• 5 [ countable ] a ceremony or formal occasion during which a gift or prize is given
• 6 [ countable ] a performance of a play, etc. in a theater
• 7 [ countable , uncountable ] ( medical ) the position in which a baby is lying in the mother's body just before birth

Nearby words

Presentation Definition: A Comprehensive Guide

Featured In

Table of contents, unraveling the presentation definition, what is a presentation, historical roots: from latin to modern day, types and formats of presentations, enhancing presentation skills: a guide, presentation in the digital age: multimedia and keynote, the art of visual aids: graphs and more, presentation in different languages, presentation in literature and culture, effective presentation: tips and techniques, incorporating quizzes and group activities, presentation in educational contexts, synonyms and related terms, the thesaurus and vocabulary expansion, historical and specialized types of presentations, presentation in business: introducing a new product, word of the day: presentation, key points and summarization, cultural influences and adaptations, the role of technology, eye contact and body language, the art of storytelling, innovation and new products, speechify studio.

Unraveling the Presentation DefinitionPresentation - a word frequently used in English, Spanish, Latin, French, and Arabic contexts, but what does it exactly...

Presentation - a word frequently used in English, Spanish, Latin, French, and Arabic contexts, but what does it exactly mean? In this article, we delve into the definition of presentation , exploring its various facets and applications in different fields.

The Essence of Presentation: A Definition

A presentation is the act of presenting information or ideas to a group of people in a structured and deliberate manner, often with the aid of visual aids like PowerPoint, Keynote, or multimedia tools.

Presentations are a ubiquitous part of the professional, educational, and social landscape. The act of presenting, essentially communicating information and ideas to a group of people, has evolved significantly over time. This article explores the definition of a presentation, its various formats, the skills required to make it effective, and the nuances of a great presentation, all while weaving in an eclectic mix of keywords.

The Evolution from 'Praesentātiō' to 'Presentation'

In its essence, a presentation is the act of presenting or displaying information or ideas to an audience. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "the action or process of presenting something to someone." In Latin, the term stems from 'praesentātiō', denoting the action of placing before or showing. This definition has broadened in modern English to encompass various methods of showcasing information, whether it's a business pitch, an academic lecture, or introducing a new product.

The term has its origins in Latin ('praesentātiō'), evolving through various languages like French and British English, symbolizing the act of presenting, displaying, or giving something to others.

Diverse Formats for Different Needs

Presentations can vary in formats - from formal PowerPoint presentations to informal Prez (an informal abbreviation of presentation) discussions, each tailored to suit specific requirements.

Mastering the Art of Presentation

Presentations come in various formats, from the traditional speech to more contemporary multimedia showcases. PowerPoint, a widely used tool, allows the integration of text, images, and graphs to create visually appealing slides. Similarly, Apple's Keynote offers tools for creating impactful multimedia presentations. The inclusion of visual aids, like graphs and charts, enhances comprehension and retention. For those interested in learning Spanish, Arabic, or French, incorporating these languages in presentations can broaden audience reach.

Effective presentation skills involve a blend of clear communication, eye contact , engaging visual aids , and a confident delivery. These skills are crucial in both business and educational settings.

Embracing Technology for Impactful Presentations

In the era of digital communication, tools like multimedia presentations and Apple's Keynote software have become indispensable for creating dynamic and interactive presentations.

Using Graphs and Visuals Effectively

Effective presentations often include graphs and other visual aids to convey complex information in an easily digestible format, enhancing the audience's understanding.

A Multilingual Perspective

The concept of presentation transcends languages, from English to Arabic , each offering unique nuances in the art of presenting.

Presentation Copy and Beyond

The term also appears in literary contexts, such as a "presentation copy" of a book, and in cultural scenarios like a "breech presentation" in childbirth, where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet first.

Crafting an Impactful Presentation

An effective presentation is more than just delivering facts; it involves engaging storytelling, structured key points , and the ability to connect with the audience.

To deliver an effective presentation, certain skills are paramount. English, being a global lingua franca, is often the preferred language for presentations. However, the ability to present in multiple languages, like Spanish or French, can be a significant advantage.

Eye contact is a crucial skill, establishing a connection with the audience and making the presentation more engaging. Additionally, the ability to read the room and adjust the presentation accordingly is vital.

Interactive elements like quizzes can transform a presentation from a monologue into a dynamic group activity. They encourage participation and can be especially effective in educational settings. Quizzes can also be used in business presentations to gauge audience understanding or to introduce a new product.

Learning Through Presentations

In educational settings, presentations are used as a tool for teaching and assessment, often involving quizzes and interactive sessions to enhance learning.

Exploring Synonyms and the Thesaurus

The thesaurus offers a range of synonyms for 'presentation,' such as exhibition, demonstration, and display, each with slightly different connotations.

Utilizing a thesaurus can enrich presentation language, offering synonyms and example sentences to clarify points. The 'word of the day' concept, often found in English learning resources, can be an interesting addition to presentations, especially in multilingual contexts.

The term 'presentation' also has specialized meanings. In historical contexts, a 'presentation copy' refers to a book or manuscript gifted by the author. In obstetrics, 'breech presentation' denotes a situation where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet or buttocks first. Understanding these specialized definitions enriches the overall grasp of the term.

The Role of Presentation in Business

In business contexts, presentations are crucial for scenarios like introducing a new product , persuading investors, or communicating with stakeholders.

Expanding Vocabulary with 'Presentation'

In language learning, 'presentation' can be a word of the day , helping learners understand its usage through example sentences and pronunciation (notated as /ˌprez.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/ in English).

An effective presentation distills complex information into key points, making it easier for the audience to remember the most important takeaways. Summarization skills are critical in achieving this clarity.

The concept of presentations varies across cultures. In Arabic-speaking countries, the style of presentation might differ significantly from that in English-speaking contexts. The benefice of understanding cultural nuances cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of a presentation.

Technology, particularly multimedia, plays a pivotal role in modern presentations. From PowerPoint slides to advanced software like Keynote, the use of technology has revolutionized the way information is presented. The integration of videos, sound, and interactive elements makes presentations more engaging and memorable.

In delivering a presentation, non-verbal cues like eye contact and body language are as important as the spoken content. Maintaining eye contact with the audience establishes a connection and keeps them engaged. Similarly, confident body language can convey authority and enthusiasm.

A great presentation often resembles storytelling. It's not just about relaying facts; it's about weaving a narrative that resonates with the audience. This involves understanding the audience's needs and interests and tailoring the content accordingly.

Presentations are often the first introduction of a new product to the market. The effectiveness of these presentations can make or break the product's success. Highlighting the unique features and benefits in a clear, compelling manner is crucial.

The Power of Presentation

Presentations are a powerful tool for communication and education. Whether in a formal business setting or an informal educational environment, mastering the art of presentation can lead to more effective and impactful communication.

1. Oxford English Dictionary

2. Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

3. Apple Keynote User Guide

4. Presentation Techniques in Educational Literature

Pricing: Free to try

Speechify Studio is a comprehensive creative AI suite for individuals and teams. Create stunning AI videos from text prompts, add voice overs, create AI avatars, dub videos into multiple languages, slides, and more! All projects can be used for personal or commercial content.

Top Features : Templates, text to video, real-time editing, resizing, transcription, video marketing tools.

Speechify is clearly the best option for your generated avatar videos. With seamless integration with all the products, Speechify Studio is perfect for teams of all sizes.

## Frequently Asked Questions About Presentations

### What is in a presentation?

A presentation typically includes a combination of spoken words and visual aids such as PowerPoint slides, graphs, or multimedia elements. It's an organized way to convey information or ideas to a group of people.

### What is meant by giving a presentation?

Giving a presentation refers to the act of presenting information or ideas to an audience. This act, known in various languages including English, Spanish, and French as 'presentation' (or 'praesentātiō' in Latin), involves communication skills, visual aids, and sometimes interactive elements like quizzes.

### What makes a good presentation?

A good presentation effectively communicates key points, engages the audience through eye contact and clear speech (often practiced as a 'word of the day' in English classes), uses visual aids like graphs, and is well-structured. Effective presentation skills are crucial for this.

### What are the types of presentation?

There are various types of presentations, including formal business presentations (often using PowerPoint or Keynote), educational lectures, sales pitches for a new product, and informal talks. Each type uses different formats and approaches.

### What are the 4 parts of a presentation?

The four main parts of a presentation are the introduction, the main body, the conclusion, and the Q&A session. Each part plays a vital role in delivering an effective presentation.

### What are the three things that a good presentation should do?

A good presentation should inform, engage, and persuade or inspire the audience. It's about more than just delivering facts; it's an act of communication that can change perspectives or encourage action.

### How is a presentation linked with multimedia?

Presentations often use multimedia elements like videos, audio clips, and animated graphs to enhance the viewer's understanding and engagement. Multimedia tools like PowerPoint and Keynote are widely used in creating dynamic presentations.

### How long should a presentation be?

The length of a presentation can vary, but it's typically between 15 to 30 minutes. The duration depends on the context and the amount of information to be covered. It's important to keep presentations concise to maintain the audience's attention.

These answers incorporate various aspects of presentations, including their definition, formats, and the skills required, in multiple languages and contexts, as seen in resources like Oxford dictionaries and thesaurus.

AI Maker: Everything you need to know!

Alternatives to Podcastle.ai for Podcast Creators

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.

Oxford English Dictionary: Home

• Resources for social media

Do you have the Oxford English Dictionary?  Use our search box to quickly link your students and your libguides to your new online resource. 

Need marketing material, a demo of the product or access to your usage statistics?  Visit our  Librarian Resource Center. 

If you need any assistance with training, usage, LibGuides or demos, please email us at [email protected]

OED Description

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is widely regarded as the accepted authority on the English language. It is an unsurpassed guide to the meaning, history, and pronunciation of more than 600,000 words—past and present—from across the English-speaking world. As a historical dictionary, the OED is very different from dictionaries of current English, in which the focus is on present-day meanings. You’ll still find present-day meanings in the OED, but you’ll also find the history of individual words, and of the language—traced through 3 million quotations, from classic literature and specialist periodicals to film scripts and cookery books.

OED updates

December 2023 update.

Our latest update:  The latest update to the  Oxford English Dictionary  includes more than 500 new and revised words, phrases, and senses, including  nice-to-have ,  swear jar , and  with a cherry on top .

New word notes: Learn more about the words added to the  OED  this quarter in our new words notes by  OED  Editor, Chris Spathis.

Release notes : Learn about the history and development of the word  slang , looking back to its origins in the criminal underworld, in this article by  OED  Senior Editor, Jonathan Dent.

Platform updates: learn about updates to the  OED  website for the  OED  December 2023 update here .

New resources

Resources for academics

Visit our webinar schedule.

• Visit the OED's webinar and events page

Search the Oxford English Dictionary

Widget code.

<!-- Start Search Oxford English Dictionary --> <form action="https://oed.com/search" method="get" style="border: 1px solid #aaa; width:360px; padding:10px; background-color:#f1f5fb;" target="_blank"><input maxlength="100" name="q" placeholder="Search the Oxford English Dictionary" style="display:inline-block; width: 245px; padding:0px 10px; height: 27px; margin: 0; color:#333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height:20px; background-color: #f1f5fb; border: 1px solid #aaa; vertical-align:top; -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 4px; -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 4px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 4px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 4px; border-top-left-radius: 4px; border-bottom-left-radius: 4px; border-right:none;" type="text" value="" /><input type="submit" value="Search" /> <h5>Search the Oxford English Dictionary</h5> <img alt="OUP-USA Mirror" src="http://global.oup.com/system/images/logo.gif" /> <!-- End Search the Oxford English Dictionary --></form>

Video guides

• Navigating an Entry Explore the different views available for entries, and become familiar with the information being displayed in entry pages.
• Quick Search Learn how to access and use the quick search function, along with some quick shortcuts for word group searching.
• Advanced Search Understand how to access a results page depending on a variety of topics such as subject, language of origin, date of entry, and more. This can be especially useful if you are searching for very specific.
• Understanding the Sidebar Learn more about the navigation aid and information displayed to the right of entry pages, and how the sidebar can provide in-depth information about the word you are examining.
• Understanding the Results Page Become familiar with the list of results displayed after a search, and how they are organised.
• Categories Explore another way to search OED entries, according to subject, usage, region, or origin.
• Sources Learn how to search the OED by a specific source, and how to quickly find a full list of quotations from an author.

• The Historical Thesaurus of the OED: categories Learn about how the Historical Thesaurus is structured and how to start exploring this resource.
• Using the Historical Thesaurus in research Learn how the Historical Thesaurus can be used to find different words for a particular concept over time, and to explore patterns within semantic fields.

Tools and resources

• Teaching resources Teachers and instructors can find resources here for utilizing the the OED within the classroom, including lessons plans, a grammar guide, and quizzes. Lesson plans are organized by grade/year and type of lesson.
• Example lesson plan: a lexical jounrey into Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
• Exploring OED quotations A guide to exploring OED quotations, what the information shown in the quotations section means, and where to find more context for a particular quotation.
• Guidance on labels and date ranges When would a word be considered to be obsolete? When it is archaic and when is it considered to be rare?
• The Historical Thesaurus of the OED View the how-to guide: https://public.oed.com/wp-content/uploads/OED-Historical-Thesaurus-how-to.pdf Find out more about the Historical Thesaurus: https://public.oed.com/blog/oed-historical-thesaurus-guide/ Listen to the recording of our recent webinar, OED Historical Thesaurus 15-minute virtual tour: https://public.oed.com/webinars-and-events/
• Searching the OED Discover some of the interesting things you can find in the OED by performing particular searches, and view the 'Searching the OED' how-to guide.

About the OED

Meet the editors.

Learn about the work of the OED's various editorial team in a collection of videos, interviews and articles from the OED blog.

• Pronunciation
• World English

• Next: Resources for social media >>
• Last Updated: Jan 15, 2024 12:06 PM
• URL: https://oup.libguides.com/OED

Definition of 'presentation'

• presentation

presentation in American English

Presentation in british english, examples of 'presentation' in a sentence presentation, related word partners presentation, trends of presentation.

View usage over: Since Exist Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

Browse alphabetically presentation

• present-day
• present-day reality
• presentable
• presentation box
• presentation ceremony
• presentation copy
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'P'

Related terms of presentation

• award presentation
• brief presentation
• medal presentation
• oral presentation
• View more related words

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Wordle Helper

Scrabble Tools

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Explore the Cambridge Dictionary

English dictionaries.

• Learner’s Dictionary
• Essential British English
• Essential American English

Pronunciation

Translation dictionaries.

• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• English–Arabic
• English–Bengali
• English–Catalan
• English–Czech
• English–Danish
• English–Gujarati
• English–Hindi
• English–Korean
• English–Malay
• English–Marathi
• English–Russian
• English–Tamil
• English–Telugu
• English–Thai
• English–Turkish
• English–Ukrainian
• English–Urdu
• English–Vietnamese

Word Scramble

Challenge yourself with word games from Cambridge Dictionary.

Read the definition. Can you beat the clock and spell the word?

Searching out and tracking down: talking about finding or discovering things

Word of the Day

customer support

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

help and advice that a company makes available to customers when they have bought something

Popular searches

• 07 schedule
• 08 pronunciation
• 10 experience

Browse the English Dictionary

Or, browse the Cambridge Dictionary index

Free word lists and quizzes to create, download and share!

You’re logged in. Start creating a word list or do a quiz!

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists

To add ${headword} to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

• Subscriber Services
• For Authors
• Publications
• Archaeology
• Art & Architecture
• Bilingual dictionaries
• Classical studies
• Encyclopedias
• English Dictionaries and Thesauri
• Language reference
• Linguistics
• Media studies
• Medicine and health
• Names studies
• Performing arts
• Science and technology
• Social sciences
• Society and culture
• Overview Pages
• Subject Reference
• English Dictionaries
• Bilingual Dictionaries

Recently viewed (0)

• Save Search

• Oxford Dictionaries Online
• Find at OUP.com
• Google Preview

Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.)  

Edited by: angus stevenson.

The foremost single volume authority on the English language, the Oxford Dictionary of English is at the forefront of language research, focusing on English as it is used today. It is informed by the most up-to-date evidence from the largest language research programme in the world, including the two-billion-word Oxford English Corpus.

This new edition includes thousands of brand-new words and senses, as well as up-to-date encyclopedic information, and extensive appendices covering topics such as countries, heads of state, and chemical elements.

Ideal for anyone who needs a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of current English; for professionals, students, academics, and for use at work or at home.

Bibliographic Information

Affiliations are at time of print publication..

Angus Stevenson, editor

• Share This Facebook LinkedIn Twitter
• All Contents

Access to the complete content on Oxford Reference requires a subscription or purchase. Public users are able to search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter without a subscription.

Please subscribe or login to access full text content.

If you have purchased a print title that contains an access token, please see the token for information about how to register your code.

For questions on access or troubleshooting, please check our FAQs , and if you can''t find the answer there, please contact us .

& symbol

2.0 adjective, 20/20 adjective, 24/7 adverb, < symbol, > symbol, front matter, publishing information.

• Oxford University Press

PRINTED FROM OXFORD REFERENCE (www.oxfordreference.com). (c) Copyright Oxford University Press, 2023. All Rights Reserved. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a PDF of a single entry from a reference work in OR for personal use (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice ).

date: 15 May 2024

• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice
• Accessibility
• [66.249.64.20|81.177.180.204]
• 81.177.180.204

Character limit 500 /500

• Preferences

Oxford English Dictionary Online - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Oxford English Dictionary Online

Covers words and phrases from across the english-speaking world ... the updating of the oed is the world's largest humanities research project ... – powerpoint ppt presentation.

• Includes definitions of over 600,000 words
• Usage illustrated by over 2.5 million quotations
• Provides a unique historical record of the development of English over the last millennium
• Covers words and phrases from across the English-speaking world
• The ultimate authority on the English language as well as a history of English speech and thought from its infancy to the present day The Times
• The greatest continuing work of scholarship that this century has produced Newsweek
• An essential acquisition for all libraries Library Journal
• The updating of the OED is the worlds largest humanities research project
• Editorial work alone costs OUP 3 million per year!
• 80 in-house lexicographers, researchers and systems engineers working on the project
• 200 specialist advisers
• Numerous external contributors
• At least 6000 new and revised definitions published online each year
• Full details about the OED and OED Online are available at www.oed.com
• A detailed tour is available at www.oed.com/public/tour
• If you have any queries, please dont hesitate to contact us at onlineproducts_at_oup.com

PowerShow.com is a leading presentation sharing website. It has millions of presentations already uploaded and available with 1,000s more being uploaded by its users every day. Whatever your area of interest, here you’ll be able to find and view presentations you’ll love and possibly download. And, best of all, it is completely free and easy to use.

You might even have a presentation you’d like to share with others. If so, just upload it to PowerShow.com. We’ll convert it to an HTML5 slideshow that includes all the media types you’ve already added: audio, video, music, pictures, animations and transition effects. Then you can share it with your target audience as well as PowerShow.com’s millions of monthly visitors. And, again, it’s all free.

About the Developers

PowerShow.com is brought to you by  CrystalGraphics , the award-winning developer and market-leading publisher of rich-media enhancement products for presentations. Our product offerings include millions of PowerPoint templates, diagrams, animated 3D characters and more.