exhibēre
To present something, in the sense of showing it so that it can be seen, Latin uses exhibēre or ostendere. Wiktionary also lists praesento.
Meaning: to put (something) forward in order for it to be seen, to show, exhibit (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| exhibēre | |
| ostendere | |
| praesento | [prae̯ˈsɛn.toː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [preˈs̬ɛn.to] (narrow) |
exhibēre is to put something on view, for example a picture or evidence. ostendere is the everyday "to show".
Which one should you use?
A present as a gift is a different word, dōnum.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
ex-hih-BAY-reh
Did you know?
- English "exhibit" and "exhibition" come from exhibēre, "to hold out", from ex, "out", and habēre, "to hold".
Examples in context
- Causa praesentis controversiae est magna.The matter of the present controversy is significant.
- Magistratus adstans populo claves dedit.The magistrate, present before the people, handed over the keys.
- Iam sum hic!I am already here!
- Amici adsunt.Friends are present.
- Amicus hic est.The friend is here.
- Pictor tabulam novam exhibet.The painter presents a new picture.
- Mihi viam ostendit.He showed me the way.
Example conversation
A merchant shows his goods.
- LuciaQuid nōbīs exhibēs?What are you presenting to us?
- QuintusVāsa nova ex Graeciā.New vases from Greece.
- LuciaOstende mihi illud magnum.Show me that big one.
- QuintusEcce, pulcherrimum est.Here it is, it is the most beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “present” translations and entries praesento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
