presence
Noun 1. The state or fact of being in a particular place at a particular time; the condition of being present. This is the core meaning, referring to physical existence or attendance. 2. A person's impressive manner, appearance, or bearing that commands attention or respect. This refers to a quality of personal charisma or dignity. 3. A feeling or impression that someone or something is present, especially a spiritual or unseen entity. This describes a sensed, rather than physically confirmed, existence. 4. The immediate vicinity or proximity of a person or thing. This refers to the area close to someone or something. 5. (In specific contexts) A group of people, especially soldiers or police, stationed in a particular place. This is a collective use of the term.
- Meaning 1 (State of being present):
- Your presence at the meeting is required.
- The test confirmed the presence of bacteria in the water sample.
- Meaning 2 (Impressive bearing):
- The speaker had a commanding presence on stage.
- She carries herself with great presence and confidence.
- Meaning 3 (Sensed existence):
- He felt a strange presence in the old house.
- There was a presence of calm in the room after she entered.
- Meaning 4 (Immediate proximity):
- She felt nervous in the presence of the king.
- The document was signed in the presence of two witnesses.
- Meaning 5 (Stationed group):
- The country maintains a military presence in the region.
- "To make one's presence felt": To have a noticeable and often significant impact.
- The new manager quickly made her presence felt by implementing several changes.
- "Presence of mind": The ability to stay calm and think clearly in a difficult or dangerous situation.
- Thanks to her presence of mind, she was able to call for help immediately.
- Present (adjective): Being in a particular place.
- Present (verb): To introduce or show.
- Omnipresence (noun): The state of being present everywhere at the same time.
- Presenteeism (noun): The practice of being present at work for more hours than required, often while not being fully productive.
- Attendance, existence, occurrence (for meaning 1).
- Bearing, demeanor, charisma, aura (for meaning 2).
- Proximity, vicinity, company (for meaning 4).
- Absence (the primary and direct opposite for most meanings).
- In the presence of: While in the same place as someone or something; in front of.
- He would not speak ill of others in their presence.
- Grace with one's presence (often used humorously or sarcastically): To honor an event by attending.
- Thank you for gracing us with your presence.
- the act of being present
- dignified manner or conduct
- the impression that something is present
- he felt the presence of an evil force
- an invisible spiritual being felt to be nearby
- the immediate proximity of someone or something
- she blushed in his presence
- he sensed the presence of danger
- he was well behaved in front of company
- the state of being present; current existence
- he tested for the presence of radon