presentation meaning origin

presentation (n.)

late 14c., presentacioun , "act of presenting, ceremonious giving of a gift, prize, etc.," from Old French presentacion (13c.) and directly from Medieval Latin praesentationem (nominative praesentatio ) "a placing before," noun of action from past-participle stem of Latin praesentare "to present, show, exhibit," literally "to place before," from stem of praesens (see present (adj.)).

The meaning "that which is offered or presented" is from mid-15c.; that of "a theatrical or other representation" is recorded from c. 1600. Related: Presentational .

Entries linking to presentation

c. 1300, "being in the same place as someone or something;" early 14c., "existing at the time," from Old French present "evident, at hand, within reach;" as a noun, "the present time" (11c., Modern French présent ) and directly from Latin praesentem (nominative praesens ) "present, at hand, in sight; immediate; prompt, instant; contemporary," from present participle of præesse "be before (someone or something), be at hand," from prae- "before" (see pre- ) + esse "to be" (from PIE root *es- "to be").

Meaning "abiding in a specified place" is from mid-14c. in English. As a grammatical tense expressing action or being in the present time, recorded from late 14c.

"a presenting again, a renewed presentation," 1805, from re- "back, again" + presentation or else a noun formed to go with re-present . With hyphenated spelling and full pronunciation of the prefix to distinguish it from representation .

Trends of presentation

More to explore, share presentation.

updated on October 23, 2020

Dictionary entries near presentation

preselection

presentable

presentation

present-day

presentiment

presentment

• English (English)
• 简体中文 (Chinese)
• Deutsch (German)
• Español (Spanish)
• Français (French)
• Italiano (Italian)
• 日本語 (Japanese)
• 한국어 (Korean)
• Português (Portuguese)
• 繁體中文 (Chinese)

• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

presentation

Definition of presentation

• fairing [ British ]
• freebee
• largess

Examples of presentation in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'presentation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing presentation

• breech presentation

Dictionary Entries Near presentation

present arms

presentation copy

Cite this Entry

“Presentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presentation. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of presentation, medical definition, medical definition of presentation, more from merriam-webster on presentation.

Nglish: Translation of presentation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of presentation for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about presentation

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More commonly misspelled words, commonly misspelled words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, popular in wordplay, the words of the week - apr. 19, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, 10 words for lesser-known games and sports, your favorite band is in the dictionary, games & quizzes.

Words and phrases

Personal account.

• Access or purchase personal subscriptions
• Get our newsletter
• Save searches
• Set display preferences

Institutional access

Sign in with library card

Sign in with username / password

Recommend to your librarian

Institutional account management

Sign in as administrator on Oxford Academic

presentation noun

• Hide all quotations

What does the noun presentation mean?

There are 20 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun presentation , four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

presentation has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

How common is the noun presentation ?

How is the noun presentation pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun presentation come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun presentation is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for presentation is from before 1325, in Statutes of the Realm .

presentation is of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin.

Etymons: French presentacioun , presentacion ; Latin praesentation- , praesentatio .

Nearby entries

• present, n.² c1230–
• present, n.³ 1777–
• present, adj. & adv. 1340–
• present, v. c1300–
• presentability, n. 1823–
• presentable, adj. 1451–
• presentably, adv. 1848–
• presental, n. 1869
• presentaneous, adj. 1656–1790
• presentary, adj. ?a1425–1657
• presentation, n. a1325–
• presentational, adj. 1855–
• presentationally, adv. 1928–
• presentation copy, n. 1753–
• presentation day, n. 1843–
• presentation department, n. 1954–
• presentationism, n. a1842–
• presentationist, n. 1846–
• presentation plate, n. 1829–
• presentation silver, n. 1511–
• presentation value, n. 1889–

Thank you for visiting Oxford English Dictionary

To continue reading, please sign in below or purchase a subscription. After purchasing, please sign in below to access the content.

Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for presentation, n..

presentation, n. was revised in March 2007.

presentation, n. was last modified in March 2024.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into presentation, n. in March 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1908)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View presentation in OED Second Edition

Please submit your feedback for presentation, n.

Please include your email address if you are happy to be contacted about your feedback. OUP will not use this email address for any other purpose.

Citation details

Factsheet for presentation, n., browse entry.

• Daily Crossword
• Word Puzzle
• Word Finder

Word of the Day

• Synonym of the Day
• Word of the Year
• Language stories
• All featured
• Gender and sexuality
• All pop culture
• Grammar Coach ™
• Writing hub
• Grammar essentials
• Commonly confused
• All writing tips
• Pop culture
• Writing tips

Advertisement

presentation

[ prez- uh n- tey -sh uh n , pree-zen- ]

• an act of presenting.
• the state of being presented.
• a social introduction, as of a person at court.
• an exhibition or performance, as of a play or film.
• offering, delivering, or bestowal, as of a gift.
• a demonstration, lecture, or welcoming speech.

His presentation was very poor.

• Commerce. the presentment of a bill, note, or the like.
• the position of the fetus in the uterus during labor.

a breech presentation.

• Ecclesiastical. the act or the right of presenting a member of the clergy to the bishop for institution to a benefice.

/ ˌprɛzənˈteɪʃən /

• the act of presenting or state of being presented

the presentation of the project is excellent but the content poor

his presentation of the facts was muddled

a presentation on the company results

• an offering or bestowal, as of a gift

a presentation copy of a book

• a performance or representation, as of a play
• the formal introduction of a person, as into society or at court; debut
• the act or right of nominating a clergyman to a benefice
• med the position of a baby relative to the birth canal at the time of birth
• See presentment commerce another word for presentment
• television linking material between programmes, such as announcements, trailers, or weather reports
• See gift an archaic word for gift
• philosophy a sense datum
• See Candlemas often capital another name for (feast of) Candlemas

Discover More

Derived forms.

• ˌpresenˈtational , adjective

Other Words From

• nonpres·en·tation noun
• self-presen·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of presentation 1

Example Sentences

Look no further than those execs who have sat through online presentations outlining a more inclusive workplace only to have to go back to working in teams where they’re made to feel different.

The day of the presentation comes, and the ecommerce team gathers around, continuously nodding along with each slide.

In the questions-and-answer presentation on Wednesday, Palantir did not address the issue of voting power.

For repurposing, you can use four different formats, which are – video series, infographics, podcasts, and presentations.

This presentation will explain the ins and outs of the process as well as the need for older children who are looking for a home as well.

We were scoring it like the Olympics: presentation, technique.

Bogucki includes the leaflet in a Powerpoint presentation he has developed.

Her biggest surprise, she said, was realizing how much presentation and technical points mattered.

That may be partially because The Big Lebowski is their most nihilistic presentation.

One of the hottest tickets at the 2014 edition of Comic-Con, the annual nerd mecca in San Diego, was the Marvel presentation.

You were obliging enough to ask me to accept a presentation copy of your verses.

Nor was ever a better presentation made of the essential program of socialism.

After the presentation of the Great Southern case our Bill was heard and all the opposition.

The presentation of the Railway case and the rebutting evidence did not begin till all the public witnesses had been heard.

Furthermore, a note is payable on demand when it is thus stated, or is payable at sight or on presentation.

Related Words

• demonstration
• introduction

[ ak -s uh -lot-l ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

• Dictionaries home
• American English
• Collocations
• German-English
• Grammar home
• Practical English Usage
• Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
• Word Lists home
• My Word Lists
• Recent additions
• Resources home
• Text Checker

Definition of presentation noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

presentation

Join our community to access the latest language learning and assessment tips from Oxford University Press!

• 3 [ countable ] a meeting at which something, especially a new product or idea, or piece of work, is shown to a group of people The sales manager will give a presentation on the new products.
• 4 [ countable ] the series of computer slides (= images) that accompany the talk when someone gives a presentation at a meeting I put my presentation on a memory stick.
• 5 [ countable ] a ceremony or formal occasion during which a gift or prize is given
• 6 [ countable ] a performance of a play, etc. in a theater
• 7 [ countable , uncountable ] ( medical ) the position in which a baby is lying in the mother's body just before birth

Nearby words

Definition of 'presentation'

• presentation

Video: pronunciation of presentation

presentation in American English

Presentation in british english, examples of 'presentation' in a sentence presentation, related word partners presentation, trends of presentation.

View usage over: Since Exist Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

Browse alphabetically presentation

• present-day
• present-day reality
• presentable
• presentation box
• presentation ceremony
• presentation copy
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'P'

Related terms of presentation

• award presentation
• brief presentation
• medal presentation
• oral presentation
• View more related words

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Wordle Helper

Scrabble Tools

presentation

• 1.1 Alternative forms
• 1.2 Etymology
• 1.3 Pronunciation
• 1.4.1 Derived terms
• 1.4.2 Related terms
• 1.4.3 Translations
• 1.5 Anagrams
• 2.1.1 Descendants
• 3.1 Etymology
• 3.2.1 Declension
• 3.2.2 Related terms
• 3.3 References
• 3.4 Anagrams

English [ edit ]

Alternative forms [ edit ].

• præsentation ( archaic )

Etymology [ edit ]

From Old French presentation (French présentation ), from Latin praesentātiōnem , accusative singular of praesentātiō ( “ representation, exhibition ” ) . Morphologically present +‎ -ation

Pronunciation [ edit ]

• ( US , UK , Canada ) IPA ( key ) : /ˌpɹɛzənˈteɪʃən/ , /ˌpɹizənˈteɪʃən/
• ( Hong Kong ) IPA ( key ) : /pɹisɛnˈteɪʃən/
• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Noun [ edit ]

presentation ( countable and uncountable , plural presentations )

• 1594–1597 , Richard Hooker , edited by J[ohn] S[penser] , Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie,   [ … ] , London: [ … ] Will [ iam ] Stansby [ for Matthew Lownes ] , published 1611 , →OCLC , (please specify the page) : Prayers are sometimes a presentation of mere desires.
• A dramatic performance .
• An award given to someone on a special occasion .
• Money given as a wedding gift .
• A lecture or speech given in front of an audience .
• ( medicine ) The symptoms and other possible indications of disease , trauma , etc., that are exhibited by a patient who has sought, or has otherwise come to, the attention of a physician . The presentation of the thirty-four-year-old male in the emergency room was slight fever, dilated pupils, and marked disorientation.
• ( medicine ) The position of the foetus in the uterus at birth .
• ( mainly LGBT ) Gender presentation ; gender expression .
• ( fencing ) Offering one's blade for engagement by the opponent.
• ( mathematics ) The specification of a group by generators and relators .
• 1765–1769 , William Blackstone , Commentaries on the Laws of England , (please specify |book=I to IV) , Oxford, Oxfordshire: [ … ] Clarendon Press , →OCLC : If the bishop admits the patron's presentation , the clerk so admitted is next to be instituted by him.
• ( immunology ) The preparation of antigen fragments during the immune response .

Derived terms [ edit ]

• presentation box
• case presentation
• presentation copy
• presentation logic
• presentation software
• self-presentation

Related terms [ edit ]

• presentational
• presentationally

Translations [ edit ]

Anagrams [ edit ].

• penetrations

Old French [ edit ]

presentation oblique singular ,  f ( oblique plural presentations , nominative singular presentation , nominative plural presentations )

• presentation ( act of presenting something or someone )
• presentation ( demonstration )

Descendants [ edit ]

• French: présentation

Swedish [ edit ]

From French présentation , from présenter + -ation , equivalent to presentera +‎ -ation . Cognate with English presentation , German Präsentation , Norwegian Bokmål presentasjon , Norwegian Nynorsk presentasjon and Danish præsentation .

presentation   c

• introduction Hon behöver ingen närmare presentation She needs no further ["closer" - idiomatic] introduction

Declension [ edit ]

• presentatör

References [ edit ]

• presentation in Svensk ordbok ( SO )
• presentation in Svenska Akademiens ordbok ( SAOB )
• prestationen

• English terms derived from Old French
• English terms derived from Latin
• English 4-syllable words
• English terms with IPA pronunciation
• English terms with audio links
• Rhymes:English/eɪʃən
• Rhymes:English/eɪʃən/4 syllables
• English lemmas
• English nouns
• English uncountable nouns
• English countable nouns
• English terms with quotations
• en:Medicine
• English terms with usage examples
• en:Mathematics
• en:Immunology
• en:Communication
• en:Transgender
• Old French lemmas
• Old French nouns
• Old French feminine nouns
• Swedish terms derived from French
• Swedish terms suffixed with -ation
• Swedish lemmas
• Swedish nouns
• Swedish common-gender nouns
• Swedish terms with usage examples
• English undefined derivations
• English entries with topic categories using raw markup
• Mandarin terms with redundant transliterations
• Japanese terms with redundant script codes
• Ukrainian terms with redundant script codes

Navigation menu

Presentation Definition: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of contents, unraveling the presentation definition.

Presentation – a word frequently used in English, Spanish, Latin, French, and Arabic contexts, but what does it exactly mean? In this article, we delve into the definition of presentation , exploring its various facets and applications in different fields.

The Essence of Presentation: A Definition

What is a presentation.

A presentation is the act of presenting information or ideas to a group of people in a structured and deliberate manner, often with the aid of visual aids like PowerPoint, Keynote, or multimedia tools.

Presentations are a ubiquitous part of the professional, educational, and social landscape. The act of presenting, essentially communicating information and ideas to a group of people, has evolved significantly over time. This article explores the definition of a presentation, its various formats, the skills required to make it effective, and the nuances of a great presentation, all while weaving in an eclectic mix of keywords.

Historical Roots: From Latin to Modern Day

The Evolution from ‘Praesentātiō’ to ‘Presentation’

In its essence, a presentation is the act of presenting or displaying information or ideas to an audience. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the action or process of presenting something to someone.” In Latin, the term stems from ‘praesentātiō’, denoting the action of placing before or showing. This definition has broadened in modern English to encompass various methods of showcasing information, whether it’s a business pitch, an academic lecture, or introducing a new product.

The term has its origins in Latin (‘praesentātiō’), evolving through various languages like French and British English, symbolizing the act of presenting, displaying, or giving something to others.

Types and Formats of Presentations

Diverse Formats for Different Needs

Presentations can vary in formats – from formal PowerPoint presentations to informal Prez (an informal abbreviation of presentation) discussions, each tailored to suit specific requirements.

Enhancing Presentation Skills: A Guide

Mastering the Art of Presentation

Presentations come in various formats, from the traditional speech to more contemporary multimedia showcases. PowerPoint, a widely used tool, allows the integration of text, images, and graphs to create visually appealing slides. Similarly, Apple’s Keynote offers tools for creating impactful multimedia presentations. The inclusion of visual aids, like graphs and charts, enhances comprehension and retention. For those interested in learning Spanish, Arabic, or French, incorporating these languages in presentations can broaden audience reach.

Effective presentation skills involve a blend of clear communication, eye contact , engaging visual aids , and a confident delivery. These skills are crucial in both business and educational settings.

Presentation in the Digital Age: Multimedia and Keynote

Embracing Technology for Impactful Presentations

In the era of digital communication, tools like multimedia presentations and Apple’s Keynote software have become indispensable for creating dynamic and interactive presentations.

The Art of Visual Aids: Graphs and More

Using Graphs and Visuals Effectively

Effective presentations often include graphs and other visual aids to convey complex information in an easily digestible format, enhancing the audience’s understanding.

Presentation in Different Languages

A Multilingual Perspective

The concept of presentation transcends languages, from English to Arabic , each offering unique nuances in the art of presenting.

Presentation in Literature and Culture

Presentation Copy and Beyond

The term also appears in literary contexts, such as a “presentation copy” of a book, and in cultural scenarios like a “breech presentation” in childbirth, where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet first.

Effective Presentation: Tips and Techniques

Crafting an Impactful Presentation

An effective presentation is more than just delivering facts; it involves engaging storytelling, structured key points , and the ability to connect with the audience.

To deliver an effective presentation, certain skills are paramount. English, being a global lingua franca, is often the preferred language for presentations. However, the ability to present in multiple languages, like Spanish or French, can be a significant advantage.

Eye contact is a crucial skill, establishing a connection with the audience and making the presentation more engaging. Additionally, the ability to read the room and adjust the presentation accordingly is vital.

Incorporating Quizzes and Group Activities

Interactive elements like quizzes can transform a presentation from a monologue into a dynamic group activity. They encourage participation and can be especially effective in educational settings. Quizzes can also be used in business presentations to gauge audience understanding or to introduce a new product.

Presentation in Educational Contexts

Learning Through Presentations

In educational settings, presentations are used as a tool for teaching and assessment, often involving quizzes and interactive sessions to enhance learning.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Exploring Synonyms and the Thesaurus

The thesaurus offers a range of synonyms for ‘presentation,’ such as exhibition, demonstration, and display, each with slightly different connotations.

The Thesaurus and Vocabulary Expansion

Utilizing a thesaurus can enrich presentation language, offering synonyms and example sentences to clarify points. The ‘word of the day’ concept, often found in English learning resources, can be an interesting addition to presentations, especially in multilingual contexts.

Historical and Specialized Types of Presentations

The term ‘presentation’ also has specialized meanings. In historical contexts, a ‘presentation copy’ refers to a book or manuscript gifted by the author. In obstetrics, ‘breech presentation’ denotes a situation where the baby is positioned to exit the birth canal feet or buttocks first. Understanding these specialized definitions enriches the overall grasp of the term.

Presentation in Business: Introducing a New Product

The Role of Presentation in Business

In business contexts, presentations are crucial for scenarios like introducing a new product , persuading investors, or communicating with stakeholders.

Word of the Day: Presentation

Expanding Vocabulary with ‘Presentation’

In language learning, ‘presentation’ can be a word of the day , helping learners understand its usage through example sentences and pronunciation (notated as /ˌprez.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/ in English).

Key Points and Summarization

An effective presentation distills complex information into key points, making it easier for the audience to remember the most important takeaways. Summarization skills are critical in achieving this clarity.

Cultural Influences and Adaptations

The concept of presentations varies across cultures. In Arabic-speaking countries, the style of presentation might differ significantly from that in English-speaking contexts. The benefice of understanding cultural nuances cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of a presentation.

The Role of Technology

Technology, particularly multimedia, plays a pivotal role in modern presentations. From PowerPoint slides to advanced software like Keynote, the use of technology has revolutionized the way information is presented. The integration of videos, sound, and interactive elements makes presentations more engaging and memorable.

Eye Contact and Body Language

In delivering a presentation, non-verbal cues like eye contact and body language are as important as the spoken content. Maintaining eye contact with the audience establishes a connection and keeps them engaged. Similarly, confident body language can convey authority and enthusiasm.

The Art of Storytelling

A great presentation often resembles storytelling. It’s not just about relaying facts; it’s about weaving a narrative that resonates with the audience. This involves understanding the audience’s needs and interests and tailoring the content accordingly.

Innovation and New Products

Presentations are often the first introduction of a new product to the market. The effectiveness of these presentations can make or break the product’s success. Highlighting the unique features and benefits in a clear, compelling manner is crucial.

The Power of Presentation

Presentations are a powerful tool for communication and education. Whether in a formal business setting or an informal educational environment, mastering the art of presentation can lead to more effective and impactful communication.

1. Oxford English Dictionary

2. Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

3. Apple Keynote User Guide

4. Presentation Techniques in Educational Literature

Speechify Studio

Pricing: Free to try

Speechify Studio is a comprehensive creative AI suite for individuals and teams. Create stunning AI videos from text prompts, add voice overs, create AI avatars, dub videos into multiple languages, slides, and more! All projects can be used for personal or commercial content.

Top Features : Templates, text to video, real-time editing, resizing, transcription, video marketing tools.

Speechify is clearly the best option for your generated avatar videos. With seamless integration with all the products, Speechify Studio is perfect for teams of all sizes.

## Frequently Asked Questions About Presentations

### What is in a presentation?

A presentation typically includes a combination of spoken words and visual aids such as PowerPoint slides, graphs, or multimedia elements. It’s an organized way to convey information or ideas to a group of people.

### What is meant by giving a presentation?

Giving a presentation refers to the act of presenting information or ideas to an audience. This act, known in various languages including English, Spanish, and French as ‘presentation’ (or ‘praesentātiō’ in Latin), involves communication skills, visual aids, and sometimes interactive elements like quizzes.

### What makes a good presentation?

A good presentation effectively communicates key points, engages the audience through eye contact and clear speech (often practiced as a ‘word of the day’ in English classes), uses visual aids like graphs, and is well-structured. Effective presentation skills are crucial for this.

### What are the types of presentation?

There are various types of presentations, including formal business presentations (often using PowerPoint or Keynote), educational lectures, sales pitches for a new product, and informal talks. Each type uses different formats and approaches.

### What are the 4 parts of a presentation?

The four main parts of a presentation are the introduction, the main body, the conclusion, and the Q&A session. Each part plays a vital role in delivering an effective presentation.

### What are the three things that a good presentation should do?

A good presentation should inform, engage, and persuade or inspire the audience. It’s about more than just delivering facts; it’s an act of communication that can change perspectives or encourage action.

### How is a presentation linked with multimedia?

Presentations often use multimedia elements like videos, audio clips, and animated graphs to enhance the viewer’s understanding and engagement. Multimedia tools like PowerPoint and Keynote are widely used in creating dynamic presentations.

### How long should a presentation be?

The length of a presentation can vary, but it’s typically between 15 to 30 minutes. The duration depends on the context and the amount of information to be covered. It’s important to keep presentations concise to maintain the audience’s attention.

These answers incorporate various aspects of presentations, including their definition, formats, and the skills required, in multiple languages and contexts, as seen in resources like Oxford dictionaries and thesaurus.

• Previous The 10 best read aloud books for kids
• Next Avatar Slideshow: Engaging Visuals in the Digital Age

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.

Recent Blogs

AI Speech Recognition: Everything You Should Know

AI Speech to Text: Revolutionizing Transcription

Real-Time AI Dubbing with Voice Preservation

How to Add Voice Over to Video: A Step-by-Step Guide

Voice Simulator & Content Creation with AI-Generated Voices

Convert Audio and Video to Text: Transcription Has Never Been Easier.

How to Record Voice Overs Properly Over Gameplay: Everything You Need to Know

Voicemail Greeting Generator: The New Way to Engage Callers

How to Avoid AI Voice Scams

Character AI Voices: Revolutionizing Audio Content with Advanced Technology

Best AI Voices for Video Games

How to Monetize YouTube Channels with AI Voices

Multilingual Voice API: Bridging Communication Gaps in a Diverse World

Resemble.AI vs ElevenLabs: A Comprehensive Comparison

Apps to Read PDFs on Mobile and Desktop

How to Convert a PDF to an Audiobook: A Step-by-Step Guide

AI for Translation: Bridging Language Barriers

IVR Conversion Tool: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Providers

Best AI Speech to Speech Tools

AI Voice Recorder: Everything You Need to Know

The Best Multilingual AI Speech Models

Program that will Read PDF Aloud: Yes it Exists

How to Convert Your Emails to an Audiobook: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

How to Convert iOS Files to an Audiobook

How to Convert Google Docs to an Audiobook

How to Convert Word Docs to an Audiobook

Alternatives to Deepgram Text to Speech API

Is Text to Speech HSA Eligible?

Can You Use an HSA for Speech Therapy?

Surprising HSA-Eligible Items

Speechify text to speech helps you save time

Popular blogs.

The Best Celebrity Voice Generators in 2024

YouTube Text to Speech: Elevating Your Video Content with Speechify

The 7 best alternatives to Synthesia.io

Everything you need to know about text to speech on TikTok

The 10 best text-to-speech apps for Android

How to convert a pdf to speech, the top girl voice changers, how to use siri text to speech.

Obama text to speech

Robot Voice Generators: The Futuristic Frontier of Audio Creation

Pdf read aloud: free & paid options.

Alternatives to FakeYou text to speech

All about deepfake voices, tiktok voice generator, text to speech goanimate, the best celebrity text to speech voice generators, pdf audio reader, how to get text to speech indian voices, elevating your anime experience with anime voice generators.

Only available on iPhone and iPad

To access our catalog of 100,000+ audiobooks, you need to use an iOS device.

Coming to Android soon...

Join the waitlist

Enter your email and we will notify you as soon as Speechify Audiobooks is available for you.

You’ve been added to the waitlist. We will notify you as soon as Speechify Audiobooks is available for you.

What Does a Hamsa Symbolize? Experts Explain the Hand and Eye's Spiritual Meaning

Here's a primer on the millennia-old hamsa hand and its symbolism across Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and more.

What does the Hamsa symbolize?

Hamsa origins and history, hamsa in judaism, christianity, and islam, how to use the hamsa.

You've probably seen them around just about everywhere: the symbol of a hand with an eye at the center rendered in jewelry, home decor, serving pieces, tattoos, keychains, and more. But what actually is it?

That five-fingered hand is an ancient symbol called a hamsa, and the hamsa meaning has been powerful across many cultures and religions for thousands of years.

Rabbi David explains that the hamsa, which resembles an open palm, is “associated with the power of the female.” It’s generally regarded as a symbol of protection, often considered a symbol of the hand of god by people of faith but also considered a pagan fertility symbol. Any spiritual person can employ it for a feeling of connection to fortuitous energy and outcomes, as well as a sense of protection.

Read on to discover more about the history, origins, and meaning of the hamsa across Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, plus how you can use it in your own life.

What is the Hamsa?

The shape of a hamsa is a five-fingered hand. “There are many different artistic renderings of the hamsa. It is common to find the symbol of an eye in the middle of the hand,” Rabbi David explains. The eye in the amulet is supposed to repel “the evil eye,” a force that is thought to bring bad luck.

In other hamsas, you might see a semi-precious round or oval stone substituted for the symbol of the eye. "The type of stone that is chosen is thought to add special powers to the amulet," Rabbi David says. "There is a long folk tradition that assigns various spiritual powers to specific stones."

The hamsa hand symbolizes both protection and prosperity.

“If the hand is facing downwards, it symbolizes prosperity, good luck, and good fortune, inviting good energy and good events to happen to your life,” explains Dhia Rabiai, the Tunisian founder of Kamsah , which sells interior design pieces inspired by cultural history and symbolism.

“On the other hand, if the hand is facing upwards, it means that it's used to repel and push away any envious eyes, bad energy, or bad luck that may happen to you or is wished upon you by others," he says. It acts as a talisman to ward off malicious intent and any evil.”

While the exact genesis of the hamsa is unknown, it originated in ancient Mesopotamia and has been a significant symbol for thousands of years. “Jews, Muslims, and Christians have all adopted the symbol of the hamsa for different reasons,” Rabbi David says. “In the Middle East, there is a long tradition of this type of cultural sharing that pre-dates all three religions.”

Upon the advent of monotheistic religions, these beliefs still remained, and so did the hamsa name. “With time and as civilizations and peoples mixed together, the hamsa and its symbolism became well known beyond Carthage and ancient Mesopotamia and became a symbol of protection and good luck pretty much all over the world that can be found in Buddhism, Hinduism, and as a spiritual symbol as well,” Rabiai says.

In Judaism, the hamsa is sometimes referred to as the hand of Miriam, referring to the sister of Moses.

“The hamsa is one of the oldest Jewish symbols, with imagery found on ancient Israelite tombs dating back to the 8th century BCE,” Rabbi Judy Greenfeld says. “The hamsa with the evil eye is a powerful symbol placed in homes or worn to provide protection against evil forces and bring good luck to those who display it.”

She notes that at particular times in the Jewish calendar, “the hamsa is especially meaningful." For instance on the holiday of Passover , "the Jewish people recount the story of the exodus from Egypt, achieved with the helping hand of god,” Rabbi Greenfeld says.

Meanwhile, hamsa translates to “five” in Arabic, a meaning that connects to the five fingers in the hand as well as the five pillars of Islam. Muslims across North Africa and the Middle East sometimes refer to this same symbol as the hand of Fatima, a reference to Mohammed’s daughter.

As for some Christians, the hamsa is known as the hand of Jesus's mother Mary and also represents protection.

The hamsa hand can be represented in a drawing, a painting, an object, jewelry — just about anywhere in the home or on the body. There’s really no rule about who can use a hamsa.

“Although it originated in ancient Semitic cultures, the hamsa has become a global phenomenon over the past few millennia,” Rabiai says, adding that "it’s a symbol anyone can enjoy — it isn't culture-specific or faith-specific.”

“All you have to do is to believe that there is such a thing as the evil eye, or negative energy or whatever the name of that is depending on the culture, and then the hamsa becomes a shield against it."

Rabbi David reaches for her hamsa “whenever I need a little boost,” she says. “Wearing it makes me feel empowered and focused. Whatever one’s religious tradition, a hamsa makes a wonderful gift, especially for a woman.”

Greenfeld also notes that hamsas are sometimes found in wedding rings, and the specific metals and stones all add to their energetic properties.

Overall, says Annie Vazquez, mediation and wellness author behind the shop Annie the Alchemist , wearing the hamsa “reminds the wearer to have faith that they are divinely protected and know they have access to good luck energy at all times.”

Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping , Woman’s Day , Prevention , Insider, Glamour , Shondaland, AFAR, Parents , TODAY and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.

.css-2lr79s:before{top:1.4rem;left:calc(-50vw + 50%);width:100vw;height:0.0625rem;z-index:-1;content:'';position:absolute;border-top:0.0625rem solid #CDCDCD;} Faith and Religion

35 Powerful Positive Affirmations to Say Daily

25 Traditional Eid al-Fitr Foods and Sweets

How to Start Bible Journaling: A Complete Guide

What Do Ladybugs Symbolize?

50 Best Eid al-Fitr Greetings

75 Best Ramadan Greetings and Wishes

Eid Gift Ideas to Celebrate the Muslim Holiday

18 Purim Costume Ideas for Kids

How to Wish Someone a 'Happy Passover'

The True Meaning Behind Yellow Roses

35 Empowering Bible Verses About Women

Anzac Day flypasts in vintage planes keep Australia's aviation history alive

You hear them before you see them. 

The roar of 450-horsepower radial engines means all eyes immediately turn to the sky anytime a warbird flies over.

At 120 knots, they're gone in a flash, but when there are four of them flying in formation, it leaves a lasting impression on the most casual plane-spotter.

"At 500 feet [152 metres], we can definitely see the crowds," said Matt Handley, the lead pilot for this year's Anzac Day flypasts on Queensland's Darling Downs.

"And it's good to see that crowd getting bigger and bigger every year."

The southern Queensland event is one of 13 flypasts, or air displays, that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has approved nationally for this year's Anzac Day services.

As he soars over the war memorials, a multitude of faces fixed on his plane from the ground below, Mr Handley maintains a clear focus.

"Holding a steady speed and a steady altitude, so the other guys can fly on my wing, is my priority," he explained.

And he needs to keep an eye on the clock too, as he lists more than a handful of other memorial services he will fly over before he arrives at the Toowoomba service. 

Old planes 'a bit of a handful'

It's a rare opportunity to see historic aircraft fly low over a city, and like most aviation events, it all starts in the office with "a lot of paperwork", according to Mr Handley.

"They look at our plan and our risk assessments before they approve it as an event," he explained.

Then, it's a matter of keeping the aircraft maintained, and the pilots trained.

A variety of historic aircraft will be used in flypasts in Australia this week, including Kitty Hawks, Harvards and Black Hawk helicopters.

In southern Queensland, the four pilots involved in Toowoomba's flypast will be flying the Australian-designed-and-manufactured Winjeel.

"The name Winjeel is an Aboriginal name for 'young eagle'," Mr Handley explained.

"It's an Australian aircraft that not a lot of people might think of when they when they think of vintage planes."

The Winjeel first served as a training aircraft for RAAF pilots from the mid-1950s.

It later became part of forward air control, until it was replaced in 1994.

You don't see many these days.

The majority of Winjeels were broken up after they were decommissioned.

Some became static displays at museums; only around 16 still fly.

And what are they like to fly?

"They were really popular with pilots," Mr Handley said.

"But they can be a little bit of a handful.

"They're reasonably high-powered, so when you open the throttle, they do tend to swing, so you've got to keep them straight. There's a lot of rudder work!"

Preserving the past

By day, Mr Handley works as the chief pilot at Aerotec, home to warbirds and vintage aircraft in Toowoomba, training the next generation of pilots. 

He has had his own pilot's licence since he was 17, logging more than 10,000 hours flying in various cockpits, but wouldn't trade anything for the hours he spends in aeroplanes a lot older than himself.

"I think it's very important to preserve the history of these particular types of aeroplanes, because they are unique," he said.

"They're like flying time capsules — flying time machines."

After the flypasts have finished, and the crowds have gone to play two-up at the RSL, the four pilots in Toowoomba plan to raise a toast to all the pilots who have gone before them.

"It's important to remember that we're commemorating a very important day," Matt Handley said.

"It's about the servicemen and women that have given their lives to make Australia what it is today."

ABC Southern Qld — local news in your inbox

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Replica spitfire pilot gets his wings to fly to work every day.

Collection of WWI aircraft gives rare glimpse into Australia's aviation history

Replica war planes, Australian aviators feature at air show

• Air Transport Industry
• Human Interest

Why is 4/20 the unofficial weed day? The history behind April 20 and marijuana

The favorite day of stoners across the globe is upon us: April 20 or 4/20 , also known as weed day, is this Saturday.

Coincidentally falling on the same weekend as National Cold Brew Day and National Record Store Day, Saturday is shaping up to be something of a paradise for weed, coffee and music fans alike.

But how did an otherwise random day in April somehow become the mecca of marijuana enjoyment? Many theories have swirled over the years. While more exciting ones harken the holiday back to police busts or hidden messages in classic songs, the widely accepted origin is a little more reminiscent of a classic high school experience.

How did 4/20 become the official unofficial weed holiday? Here's what we know.

420 deals: Celebrate 4/20 with food deals at Wingstop, Popeyes, more. Or sip Snoop Dogg's THC drinks

What does 420 mean?

420 refers to the day 4/20, or April 20. The date has come to be known as the official stoner holiday on which marijuana smokers celebrate their love of bud.

The number 420 itself has also come to be associated with marijuana and smoking and is often used as a colloquial term for the flower and the act of consuming it.

Smokers see 4/20 not only as a day to kick back and celebrate their love of the stuff, but also to push for broader legalization and decriminalization of marijuana federally in the U.S. and beyond.

Where is weed legal? The states where recreational, medicinal marijuana is allowed in 2024

Why is 420 associated with weed?

You may have heard some of the most popular rumors that have circled the cultural zeitgeist over the years: that 420 is the code police used to describe marijuana smoking; 420 is the number of active chemicals in weed that get you high; April 20 was Bob Marley's birthday (it wasn't); that it's a reference to Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” (12 times 35 equals 420).

In reality, it's much simpler and perhaps less exciting than any of that.

While no one can say for certain, one widely accepted origin traces back to a group of teenagers hanging out after school.

In the early '70s, five students at San Rafael High School in Marin County, California would meet outside of the school after extracurricular activities had ended for the day. The group, eventually called the "Waldos," simply for the fact they met by a wall to do their thing, made their official meeting time 4:20 p.m. and eventually started using 420 as code for smoking.

One of the Waldo members, Dave Reddix, later got work as a roadie for the Grateful Dead, and the band helped to popularize the term, he told Time. Specifically, a flyer distributed by a group of Oakland Deadheads in December 1990 inviting people to smoke on April 20 at 4:20 p.m. did the trick.

A reporter at High Times magazine got hold of the flier and printed it in 1991, bringing it to the attention of cannabis fans across state lines. The magazine continued to use the term in future publications, solidifying its place in popular vernacular.

Steve Bloom, the "High Times" reporter who originally received the flyer, later credited the Waldos for originating the term, saying in a 2013 blog , "...they wanted people all over the world to get together on one day each year and collectively smoke pot at the same time. They birthed the idea of a stoner holiday, which April 20 has become."

Stoner movies: Celebrate 4/20 with these TV shows and movies about weed

Where is weed legal?

Looking forward to partaking this 4/20? Make sure you know the laws in your area before you do.

The legalization of marijuana has been a long state-by-state process, and various levels of use from none to medical to recreational are allowed in jurisdictions across the U.S. At least 25 have fully legalized recreational use, and more are either in the process or have future voting on the books.

Wondering about the status in your state? Check our list of where recreational, medicinal marijuana is allowed in 2024.

Why is 4/20 celebrated? Origin story behind popular weed holiday may surprise you.

Saturday, April 20, is 4/20 — an informal holiday for marijuana users. Even if you don't partake in cannabis-related activities, you might be wondering...

Why is 4/20 associated with weed?

There are many theories about why "4/20" is associated with marijuana, some with more validity than others. Perhaps the most plausible origin story comes from five teenagers in a California high school.

One rumor, which has been proven false, is that "420” is code among police officers for “marijuana smoking in progress." Another points to a vague reference in a 1966 Bob Dylan song .

People are also reading: How a group of teens getting high spawned a global cannabis-lovers event

Popular lore  ties the birth of "4/20" to a group of high schoolers attending Northern California's San Rafael High School in the early 1970s. The five teens – Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz and Mark Gravich – became known as the “Waldos” because they met by a wall.

The students met at 4:20 p.m. by the statue of chemist Louis Pasteur to smoke weed, presumably because most extracurricular activities had ended by that time.

“We weren’t stupid stoners,” Capper, 68, an original Waldo said, pointing to a certificate for exceptional achievement and citizenship he received in school. The Waldos engaged in after-school activities like sports and studying, so 4:20 was chosen as the time the group could all meet up. The rest is history.

“We got tired of the Friday-night football scene with all of the jocks," Reddix told TIME Magazine in 2017 . "We were the guys sitting under the stands smoking a doobie, wondering what we were doing there."

Reddix would later work with Phil Lesh, the bass guitarist for the rock band "The Grateful Dead." According to TIME Magazine , the band popularized the term. On Dec. 28, 1990, a group of the band's fans, known as "Deadheads," passed out flyers in north California encouraging people to smoke on April 20 at 4:20 p.m. One of the flyers was published in cannabis-culture magazine High Times .

Can marijuana be used recreationally in Texas?

In Texas and federal law, recreational use of marijuana is still illegal. Depending on how much a person is in possession of, the consequences vary.

People are also reading: Marijuana laws in Texas are confusing. Here's a guide to know what is and isn't legal

The Texas Health and Safety Code  states that possession of marijuana two ounces or less is considered a Class B misdemeanor.

Will marijuana be legal in Texas in 2024?

For now, it’s unlikely. However, recent laws have taken place to decriminalize marijuana laws in the state.

In 2019, Gov. Greg Abbott signed  House Bill 1325  into law. The law allows the production, manufacture, retail sale, and inspection of industrial hemp crops and products in Texas granted that they stay at 0.3% or less  delta-9 THC level . This also includes products for consumable hemp products that contain cannabidiol (CBD), as well as other edible parts of the hemp plant.

Cinco de Mayo 2024: Its history and why it's celebrated across the Americas

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner.

As May 5th approaches, you might be wondering where the festive Mexican holiday came from and why it's celebrated across the Americas. But still, there is some confusion about what Cinco de Mayo is and what it means.

Some wrongly believe it celebrates Mexican independence day. Others, probably your favorite beer company, thinks of it as a party holiday meant to sell beer and cheap tequila shots. It's more than that.

Here's what you need to know.

What is the history of Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo commemorates a Mexican victory over French forces looking to turn Mexico into a monarchy in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. General Ignacio Zaragoza led the "poorly equipped" Mexican forces, according to Encyclopedia Brittanica .

Mexico's conflict with France started in 1861 when it declared a temporary moratorium on foreign debts. This led Europe's three empires—Spain, England and France—to "intervene" and collect. The English and Spanish pulled out by 1862, but the French, with dreams of empire stoked by their emperor Napoleon III, remained to establish a monarchy and "curb U.S. power in North America," according to Encyclopedia Brittanica.

French forces wouldn't be pushed out of Mexico entirely until 1867, but the early battle became "a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination", according to Encyclopedia Brittanica.

Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican Independence Day, like many believe. Mexican Independence Day is on September 16, and it commemorates the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence against Spain that started in 1810.

Where is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?

While the holiday celebrates a Mexican military victory, it's not widely celebrated in the country. The state of Puebla has parades and speeches to mark the occasion, but it is "not much-noticed" anywhere else, according to Encyclopedia Brittanica.

The holiday is much more popular in the United States. In the mid-20th century, it started as a way for Mexican immigrants to celebrate their heritage, but in the 80s a series of ad campaigns by alcohol manufacturers caused the holiday to balloon in popularity among the general public.

Now less than 40 years later, beer sales on the Mexican holiday outpace sales from the Super Bowl and St. Patrick's Day, according to a 2013 Nielsen study .

[email protected]

@PartofMyHart

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says Speaker Mike Johnson should resign as Democrats signal potential support

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene maintained Sunday that she plans to follow through with an effort to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson if he doesn’t resign after the House passed a $95 billion package that includes foreign aid for Ukraine.

“Mike Johnson’s leadership is over. He needs to do the right thing to resign and allow us to move forward in a controlled process,” Greene, R-Ga., said in an interview on Fox News’ "Sunday Morning Futures." “If he doesn’t do so, he will be vacated.”

Asked whether she plans to move forward with her motion to vacate Johnson’s speakership, she said, “It’s coming regardless of what Mike Johnson decides to do."

Reached for comment about the House's changing posture toward a motion to vacate, office directed NBC News to recent remarks from Johnson, R-La., which included his saying Saturday that he doesn't walk around the Capitol "being worried about a motion to vacate."

"I have to do my job. We did. I’ve done here what I believe to be the right thing, and that is to allow the House to work its will," he t old reporters Saturday. "And as I’ve said, you do the right thing and you let the chips fall where they may, and I’ll continue to do that.”

Johnson faces backlash from hard-right members of his party after he joined Democrats on Saturday to pass a critical foreign aid package that included $60.8 billion of aid for Ukraine. Republican Reps. Paul Gosar of Arizona and Thomas Massie of Kentucky have signed on to the motion to vacate, which Greene authored but hasn't yet brought to the floor as a privileged resolution.

If the motion is brought to the floor, the three Republican votes supporting it could be enough for passage if they are joined by all Democrats in the chamber. But some House Democrats have signaled that they plan to vote to save Johnson.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., a moderate who is on the Foreign Affairs Committee, blasted Greene’s effort to oust Johnson on Sunday when he was asked about her criticism of the foreign aid package.

“What Marjorie Taylor Greene and what Thomas Massie and what Paul Gosar are trying to accomplish by removing the speaker of the House in this very moment after Oct. 7 would only embolden China, it would only embolden Russia, [and] it would only embolden Iran,” Moskowitz said on "Fox News Sunday."

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., a progressive who is a member of the Armed Services Committee, said Sunday he would protect Johnson’s job if members of his far-right flank go through with their threat to oust him.

“I’m a progressive Democrat, and I think you would have a few progressive Democrats doing that. And I disagree with Speaker Johnson on many issues, and I’ve been very critical of him, but he did the right thing here,” Khanna said in an interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” referring to Johnson’s bringing the foreign aid package to the floor. “And he deserves to keep his job till the end of this term.”

The shift from Democrats is noteworthy given their lockstep support of the motion to vacate that led to the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., in October, which ultimately resulted in Johnson’s getting the gavel. Members tried to remove speakers in previous congressional terms, but no motion ever reached the floor for a vote.

Summer Concepcion is a politics reporter for NBC News.

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of presentation in Essential English Dictionary

Presentation.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

(Definition of presentation from the Cambridge Essential Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of presentation

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

relating to the scientific study of animals, especially their structure

Dead ringers and peas in pods (Talking about similarities, Part 2)

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• Essential British English    Noun
• Translations
• All translations

Add presentation to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

Cinco de Mayo events will soon keep some Iowans busy. But do you know what the day means?

Like St. Patrick’s Day bringing people to bars for Irish beers and corned beef and cabbage, Cinco de Mayo sees celebrators drinking tequila and eating tacos.

But the annual celebration doesn't exist for that purpose. So, what is it?

Here’s what to know ahead of the day.

When is Cinco de Mayo 2024?

Cinco de Mayo is on Sunday, May 5.

What does Cinco de Mayo mean in English?

The translation is the 5 th of May, or May 5.

What is the history of Cinco de Mayo?

Let’s start with what it isn’t.

It is not Mexico’s Independence Day, which is what some mistake it for. That holiday is on Sept. 16.

On May 5, 1862, Mexican troops defended the town of Puebla from France, according to the Library of Congress . The victory, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza who was outnumbered with 2,000 troops versus the French’s 6,000, was declared a national holiday by Mexico’s President Benito Juárez, the History Channel reported

French emperor Napoleon III sought to expand the French empire, according to the Getty Research Institute , and the town was later seized by the French, according to the Library of Congress. But by 1867, France finally withdrew from Mexico, according to the History Channel.

Cinco de Mayo is more popular in America than it is in Mexico though, gaining popularity during the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, USA TODAY reported .

"It becomes a Chicano holiday, in many ways, linked to the Chicano movement, because we discover Mexicans resisting a foreign invader," UC Santa Barbara Chicanx historian Mario García told USA TODAY in 2022. "They link the struggle of the Chicano movement to Cinco de Mayo."

Jordan Mendoza and Maria Jimenez Moya contributed to this article.

Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at  [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.