noun
Common
presents
PREH-zuhnts
Presents (noun) means Legal phrase referring to the document in which it appears ("know all men by these presents"). Example: “The deed begins, "Know all men by these presents.”
noun
1
Legal phrase referring to the document in which it appears ("know all men by these presents").
"The deed begins, "Know all men by these presents.""
"The solicitor read aloud the line saying the agreement is made by these presents."
"Old contracts sometimes say that the signatories are bound by these presents."
How to use presents
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old legal term meaning "this very document."
When to use it
Archaic/legal usage only — not used in everyday speech.
Easily confused with
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The deed begins, "Know all men by these _____."
Synonyms
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this document
these writings
this instrument
this deed
Frequently asked questions
What does “presents” mean?
The word “presents” means legal phrase referring to the document in which it appears ("know all men by these presents"). In plain terms, an old legal term meaning "this very document.".
How do you pronounce “presents”?
“Presents” is pronounced PREH-zuhnts (/ˈpɹɛzənts/ in IPA).
How do you use “presents” in a sentence?
Here is “presents” used in a sentence: “The deed begins, "Know all men by these presents.".”
What part of speech is “presents”?
“Presents” is a noun.
Is “presents” a common word?
“Presents” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does presents mean in a legal document?
In legal language, 'these presents' refers to the very document in which the words appear. The traditional phrase 'know all men by these presents' essentially means 'let everyone be informed by this document.' It is a formal, old-fashioned way for a deed or contract to refer to itself while announcing its contents to readers.
What does 'know all men by these presents' mean?
It is a formal opening once common in deeds and legal instruments. Roughly translated, it means 'let all people be made aware by this document.' The word presents here does not mean gifts; it is a legal noun meaning the present writings. The phrase serves to give public notice of what the document declares.
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