presence

noun

pres·​ence ˈpre-zᵊn(t)s 

1

: the fact or condition of being present (see present entry 3)

2

a

: the part of space within one's immediate vicinity

b

: the neighborhood of one of superior especially royal rank

3

archaic : company sense 2a

4

: one that is present: such as

a

: the actual person or thing that is present

b

: something present of a visible or concrete nature

5

a

: the bearing, carriage, or air of a person

especially : stately or distinguished bearing

b

: a noteworthy quality of poise and effectiveness

the actor's commanding presence

6

: something (such as a spirit) felt or believed to be present

Synonyms

• company
• sight

Examples of presence in a Sentence

Bacteria sense their neighbors and respond to the presence of others in the colony by exchanging small molecules and bits of proteins called peptides … —Susan Gaidos, Science News, 17 Jan. 2009

Though because it is a seaside town, there are more people now that it's summer.  … As well, their presence means that our few restaurants—dark through the snowy months—are open now, their lights burning merrily into the summer evenings. —Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008

The two authors suggest that war is better understood as a form of play than as a place of business, that Clausewitzian theory collapses into absurdity in the presence of atomic weapons. —Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, September 2007

men should watch their language when in the presence of ladies

the orchestra's musical director has a very stately presence

Recent Examples on the Web

These works delve into themes of identity, history, and personal growth, but their presence on library shelves has faced relentless pushback. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 12 Dec. 2024

Official German statistics count more than 970,000 of them living in Germany, where politicians are making their presence a hot political debate ahead of elections in February. —Rob Schmitz, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024

Mangione's local presence in the area was impressive. —Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Popular on Variety Addressing current industry safeguards, Arterton highlighted the presence of support systems, including anonymous helplines on call sheets. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see present entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing presence

• commanding presence
• grace with one's presence
• in someone's presence
• in the presence of (someone)
• make one's presence felt/heard/known
• presence of mind
• real presence
• screen presence
• stage presence

Kids Definition

presence

noun

pres·​ence ˈprez-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the fact or state of being present

no one noticed the stranger's presence

2

: position close to a person

in the presence of a guest

3

: a person's appearance

a stately presence

4

: something felt or believed to be present

a ghostly presence