real presence

American  

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

noun

Theology.

1. the doctrine that the substance of the body and blood of Christ are present in the Eucharist.

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real presence British  

noun

1. the doctrine that the body of Christ is actually present in the Eucharist

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Etymology

Origin of real presence

First recorded in 1550–60

Example Sentences

Inspired by Alison Roman’s knack for giving pork chops real presence — the kind that demands a proper sear and a little attention — I started there.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

In the group Slack, Claudius became an oddly real presence, a co-worker people collaborated with in small groups, teased and collectively tried to outsmart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

"She had a real presence in the community and was loved by many."

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2024

Whalley is seen at various points in “Val” but isn’t a real presence until a trip with their children to Arizona following the death of Kilmer’s mother in 2019.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2021

A desolate banging, from a girl who could count the years since she felt any real presence on the other side of that door.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver