First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
presence
noun pres·ence \ˈpre-zən(t)s\
: the fact of being in a particular place : the state of being present
: the area that is close to someone
: someone or something that is seen or noticed in a particular place, area, etc.
Full Definition of PRESENCE
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
6
: something (as a spirit) felt or believed to be present
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Examples of PRESENCE
- 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
- 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
- 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
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Origin of PRESENCE
(see 3present)
PRESENCE Defined for Kids
presence
noun pres·ence \ˈpre-zəns\
Definition of PRESENCE for Kids
1
: the fact or condition of being in a certain place <No one noticed the stranger's presence.>
2
: position close to a person <The child is shy in the presence of strangers.>
3
: a person's appearance or manner <The actor has great presence on stage.>
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