Language Research

presence · noun

/ˈprez.əns/Full view

Word family

Nouns: presence, present, presentation, representation, representative, presenter

Adjectives: present, presentable, representative

Verbs: present, represent

Adverbs: presently

presence (IN A PLACE)

B2 no plural when someone or something is in a place

Dictionary examples:

She was anxious about the presence of so many people.

The presence of pollen in the atmosphere causes hay fever in some people.

He's usually quite polite in my presence.

The document was signed in the presence of two witnesses.

Learner example:

Your presence here at the club would be really benefic[ial] for the students. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

presence (QUALITY)

C2 U a quality that makes people notice and admire you

Dictionary example:

She's only small, but she has real presence.

Learner example:

He derived great benefit from her soothing presence, but otherwise was too duty-bound to notice their relationship went haywire. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

make your presence felt

C2 to have a strong effect on other people

Dictionary example:

The new police chief has really made his presence felt.

Learner example:

Before long a local bicycle gang was formed which would ride all over the village, through fields and gardens, making our presence felt. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

presence (POLICE/SOLDIERS)

C2 no plural a group of police or soldiers who are watching or controlling a situation

Dictionary example:

a strong police presence

Learner example:

People residing in [the] countryside find themselves living in fear, claiming that the lack of police presence and protection has resulted in great insecurity. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

presence (FEELING)

C2 usually no plural a feeling that someone is still in a place although they are not there or are dead

Dictionary example:

His daughter's presence seemed to fill the empty bedroom.

Learner example:

There was something there that disturbed him, he felt a strange presence but couldn't describe what it was. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

presence of mind

C2 the ability to deal with a difficult situation quickly and effectively

Dictionary example:

She had the presence of mind to press the alarm.

Learner example:

Frank tried to hide a bag behind his back with great presence of mind. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)