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presence

Pronunciation: /ˈprɛz(ə)ns/
Translate presence | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of presence

noun

[mass noun]
  • the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present:my presence in the flat made her happy the presence of chlorine in the atmosphere the memorial was unveiled in the presence of 24 veterans
  • [count noun] a person or thing that exists or is present in a place but is not seen:the monks became aware of a strange presence
  • [in singular] a group of people, especially soldiers or police, stationed in a particular place:the US would maintain a presence in the Indian Ocean region
  • the impressive manner or appearance of a person:Richard was not a big man but his presence was overwhelming

Phrases

make one's presence felt

see make oneself felt at feel.

presence of mind

the ability to remain calm and take quick, sensible action:he had the presence of mind to record the scene on video

Origin:

Middle English: via Old French from Latin praesentia 'being at hand', from the verb praeesse (see present1)

Spelling help

Remember that presence ends with -ence.

presence in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of presence in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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