1. something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance
The word present is used in the sense of reward.
On the other hand, the word gift is used in the sense of donation.
A gift tends to be much more valuable than a present. It usually passes from the rich to the poor, from the high to the low.
A present, on the other hand, passes between equals or from the inferior to the superior.
- to give something to somebody, often in a humorously formal manner
- to award something to somebody at a ceremonial occasion
Confusing, right?
(and I know that you're thinking, "Does it really matter?"
well......hush and just listen or....read)
The way I've always thought of the difference...
A present is something a person gives to another,
because he wants the receiver to have it.
A gift is something a person gives to another,
because he knows the receiver will like to have it.
Are you a "gift giver" or a "present giver"?