presence

American  

[prez-uhns] / ˈprɛz əns /

noun

• presences
  plural

1. the state or fact of being present, as with others or in a place.

   Antonyms:

   absence

2. attendance or company.

   Your presence is requested.

3. immediate vicinity; proximity.

   in the presence of witnesses.

   Synonyms:

   neighborhood

4. the military or economic power of a country as reflected abroad by the stationing of its troops, sale of its goods, etc..

   the American military presence in Europe;

   the Japanese presence in the U.S. consumer market.

5. Chiefly British. the immediate personal vicinity of a great personage giving audience or reception.

   summoned to her presence.

6. the ability to project a sense of ease, poise, or self-assurance, especially the quality or manner of a person's bearing before an audience.

   The speaker had a good deal of stage presence.

   Synonyms:

   mien, carriage

7. personal appearance or bearing, especially of a dignified or imposing kind.

   a man of fine presence.

8. a person, especially of noteworthy appearance or compelling personality.

   He is a real presence, even at a private party.

9. a divine or supernatural spirit felt to be present.

   He felt a presence with him in the room.

10. British Obsolete. presence chamber.

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presence British  

/ ˈprɛzəns /

noun

1. the state or fact of being present

2. the immediate proximity of a person or thing

3. personal appearance or bearing, esp of a dignified nature

4. an imposing or dignified personality

5. an invisible spirit felt to be nearby

6. electronics a recording control that boosts mid-range frequencies

7. (of a recording) a quality that gives the impression that the listener is in the presence of the original source of the sound

8. obsolete assembly or company

9. obsolete short for presence chamber

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonpresence
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• presences
  plural

Etymology

Origin of presence

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin praesentia; see present ¹, -ence

Explanation

Presence is the state of being somewhere. When you get an invitation that reads "Your presence is requested,” you are being asked to show up. Your style of being there — your demeanor or bearing — is also your presence. Usually, presence is a physical thing. Since the 1600s, the word has also meant something otherwordly, a spiritual or divine presence. If you suddenly feel a weird presence in the room, perhaps it's a ghost . . . or just the cat. Use the phrase "presence of mind" to indicate when someone is quick-witted or just paying attention. While your job washing skyscraper windows doesn't require a lot of brain work, it's a good idea to keep your presence of mind while working.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

presence presences

The Ebola campaign faces mistrust from some people in a country where the state struggles to make its presence felt and corruption is widespread.

From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026

On Wednesday, federal ministers were given a "report card" on their social media performance and told to step up their presence across platforms, the Hindustan Times reported.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

Some journalists cheekily celebrated their inclusion — just as, in the 1970s, U.S. journalists and others named on President Nixon’s “enemies list” viewed their presence as a badge of honor.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

But in the 14th century the contested presence of the Papal States near the Rhône led to repeated skirmishes between the king of France and the Vatican.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

But the day I finally went, I understood what he had said to me because his presence was almost palpable as I walked down to the water to nestle fish traps in the shallows.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

However, Mr. Starritt keeps his leads center stage and ensures that throughout their professional trials and personal ordeals they remain captivating presences and sympathetic enough to root for.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

But smaller firms without global presences will be out of luck.

From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2025

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico have been constant presences in the Champions League, Sevilla have dominated the Europa League, Villarreal triumphed in 2021, and even the Conference League has seen Spanish representation with Real Betis.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2025

Big names in fashion such as American Apparel and Forever 21 have had major presences in the area.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2025

She felt a fierce joy possessing her, that she could command these immortal presences.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

• behavior
• personality