What does "presence" mean?
The fact or condition of being present, or of being within sight or call, or at hand.
Presence
/ˈpɹɛzn̩s/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The fact or condition of being present, or of being within sight or call, or at hand.
- Grammar: presence is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: bearing, act, action, actions.
- Useful contrasts: away status, black void, clear absence.
- Usage evidence: He was still as still in the presence of danger.
How to use "presence"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "presence" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "presence" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "presence" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "presence" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "presence" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bearing" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "presence", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The fact or condition of being present, or of being within sight or call, or at hand. countable, uncountable
"Any painter can benefit from the presence of a live model from which to draw."
- 2 the act of being present wordnet
- 3 The part of space within one's immediate vicinity. countable, uncountable
"Bob never said anything about it in my presence."
- 4 dignified manner or conduct wordnet
- 5 A quality of poise and effectiveness that enables a performer to achieve a close relationship with their audience. countable, uncountable
Show 10 more definitions
- 6 the impression that something is present wordnet
- 7 A quality that sets an individual out from others; a quality that makes them noticed and/or admired even if they are not speaking or performing. countable, uncountable
"Despite being less than five foot, she filled up the theatre with her stage presence."
- 8 the immediate proximity of someone or something wordnet
- 9 Something (as a spirit) felt or believed to be present. countable, uncountable
"I'm convinced that there was a presence in that building that I can't explain, which led to my heroic actions."
- 10 an invisible spiritual being felt to be nearby wordnet
- 11 A company's business activity in a particular market. countable, uncountable
- 12 the state of being present; current existence wordnet
- 13 An assembly of great persons. archaic, countable, uncountable
- 14 The state of being closely focused on the here and now, not distracted by irrelevant thoughts. countable, uncountable
- 15 Synonym of room tone. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To make or become present. ambitransitive
"Presence means: the constant abiding that approaches man, reaches him, is extended to him. But what is this source of this extending reach to which the present belongs as presencing, insofar as there is presence? True, man always remains approached by the presencing of something actually present without explicitly heeding presencing itself."
Antonyms
away statusblack voidclear absenceempty void
Example
"He was still as still in the presence of danger."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "presence"?
Common synonyms include: bearing, act, action, actions, activity, acts.
How do you use "presence" in a sentence?
He was still as still in the presence of danger.
How do you pronounce "presence"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹɛzn̩s/.
Etymology
Through Old French presence, from Latin praesentia (“a being present”), from praesentem. Displaced native Old English andweardnes.