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presence
/ˈprɛzəns/
the state of being present or existing
Her calm presence made everyone feel at ease.
Her being there in a relaxed way helped others feel comfortable.
general
the state of being present or existing in a place or situation
The presence of a security guard deterred potential thieves.
Having a security guard there prevented possible theft.
Can refer to physical, mental, or emotional presence.
general
a person or thing that is present
The presence of wild animals in the area is a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Having wild animals in the area indicates a healthy environment.
Often used in formal or descriptive contexts.
general
the quality of being noticeable or influential
His strong presence on stage commanded attention.
His powerful way of being on stage made people pay attention.
Used to describe someone's impact or effect on others.
Collocations
strong presencea noticeable or influential way of beingphysical presencebeing physically present in a placemental presencebeing mentally focused or aware
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'presence' can vary based on context. Pay attention to whether it's referring to physical, mental, or emotional presence.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While 'presence' is a versatile word, avoid using it too frequently in formal writing. Opt for more specific synonyms when possible.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'presens', from Old French 'présence', from Latin 'praesentia', from 'praesens' meaning 'present'.
Usage Notes
Can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses. Often implies a noticeable or influential way of being.
Word Breakdown
pre-
before
prefix-sent
being
root-ia
state or condition
suffixEnglish Dictionary