The phrase "make presentable" consists of three separate words, each with its own distinct pronunciation. "Make" is pronounced /meɪk/, with a long "a" sound and a hard "k" at the end. "Presentable" is pronounced /prɪˈzɛntəbəl/, with stress on the second syllable and a "t" sound in the middle. The word "presentable" means suitable for presentation or appearance in public. When combined with "make," it refers to the act of preparing something or someone to be seen or shown to others in a respectable way.
Make presentable means to improve or enhance the appearance, state, or condition of something or someone in order to make it suitable or acceptable for being seen or presented to others. It involves improving the overall visual or physical qualities to make the object, space, or person look more attractive, appealing, or suitable for a particular purpose or occasion.
When applied to objects or spaces, making them presentable often involves cleaning, tidying, organizing, arranging, or decorating them to create a more pleasing or desirable aesthetic. It may also involve repairing or fixing any damages or flaws to restore their original or desired state.
Regarding individuals, making them presentable typically involves grooming, dressing, and styling them to ensure that they appear neat, tidy, and appropriate for a specific event, situation, or social setting. This may include activities such as washing, combing or styling hair, applying makeup, selecting appropriate clothing, and accessorizing accordingly.
The concept of making something or someone presentable is subjective and context-dependent. It usually aims to align with expected or desired standards of appearance and may vary depending on cultural, social, or personal preferences. The goal is often to create a positive impression, enhance the attractiveness or appeal, and increase the suitability or appropriateness of the thing or person to be presented or seen by others.
The etymology of the phrase "make presentable" can be understood by breaking it down into its two main components: "make" and "presentable".
- Make: The word "make" originated from the Old English word "macian", which means "to prepare" or "to construct". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "makon" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*mag-", which means "to knead" or "to mix".
- Presentable: The word "presentable" comes from the verb "present", which, in turn, comes from the Old French word "presenter". "Presenter" means "to introduce" or "to submit for inspection" and has Latin origins in "praesentare" (to present, show).