presence

American  

[prez-uhns] / ˈprɛz əns /

noun

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

• nonpresence noun

Etymology

Origin of presence

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

Example Sentences

The presence of Messi — who won most valuable player awards in consecutive seasons and the Golden Boot last year — remains the focus of media and competitive attention for the club.

From Los Angeles Times

The committee said it had considered the presence of Birmingham city councillors on the SAG, including one who had been campaigning against the fixture taking place.

From BBC

"We want to buy, invest, and consolidate our presence in India, with technology transfer and training of personnel."

From Barron's

When he was eight, his father - a distant presence - sent him to live with an uncle instead.

From BBC

The spokesperson confirmed that the incident was under review, and said "a continuous military presence" would remain in the area in the coming days to prevent further incidents.

From BBC

Related Words

• behavior
• personality