presence

pres·ence

noun \ˈpre-z^ən(t)s\

Definition of PRESENCE

1

: the fact or condition of being present(see ³present)

2

a : the part of space within one's immediate vicinity b : the neighborhood of one of superior especially royal rank

3

archaic : company 2a

4

: one that is present: as a : the actual person or thing that is present b : something present of a visible or concrete nature

5

a : the bearing, carriage, or air of a person; especially : stately or distinguished bearing b : a noteworthy quality of poise and effectiveness <the actor's commanding presence>

6

: something (as a spirit) felt or believed to be present

Examples of PRESENCE

1. <men should watch their language when in the presence of ladies>
2. <the orchestra's musical director has a very stately presence>
3. Bacteria sense their neighbors and respond to the presence of others in the colony by exchanging small molecules and bits of proteins called peptides … —Susan Gaidos, Science News, 17 Jan. 2009
4. Though because it is a seaside town, there are more people now that it's summer. … As well, their presence means that our few restaurants—dark through the snowy months—are open now, their lights burning merrily into the summer evenings. —Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
5. The two authors suggest that war is better understood as a form of play than as a place of business, that Clausewitzian theory collapses into absurdity in the presence of atomic weapons. —Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, September 2007

Origin of PRESENCE

(see ³present)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PRESENCE

Synonyms: company, sight

Related Words: closeness, contiguity, immediacy, nearness, proximity

see all synonyms and antonyms

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