Origin: 1175–1225; (n.) ME < OF, orig. in phrase
en present in presence (
see present 1 ); (v.) ME
presenten < OF
presenter < ML
praesentāre to give, show, present for approval, L: to exhibit (to the mind or senses), deriv. of
praesēns present 1 
Synonyms:1. bestow, donate.
See give. 2. proffer.
3. yield.
5. See introduce. 9. introduce.
11. enact.
16. benefaction, grant, tip, gratuity.
Present, gift, donation, bonus refer to something freely given.
Present and
gift are both used of something given as an expression of affection, friendship, interest, or respect.
Present is the less formal;
gift is generally used of something conferred (esp. with ceremony) on an individual, a group, or an institution:
a birthday present; a gift to a bride. Donation applies to an important gift, most often of money and usually of considerable size, though the term is often used to avoid the suggestion of charity in speaking of small gifts to or for the needy:
a donation to an endowment fund, to the Red Cross. Bonus applies to something, again usually money, given in addition to what is due, esp. to employees who have worked for a long time or particularly well:
a bonus at the end of the year.