English Reference

Word

presence

Phoneticspres·ence, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈpɹɛzəns/

UK/pɹˈɛzəns/

Definitions

01being in a place

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the fact of being in a particular place at a particular time.

n. the state or condition of being physically or notionally present in a location.

“Your presence is required at the meeting tomorrow morning.”

“The document was signed in the presence of two independent witnesses to ensure its legal validity.”

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'in the presence of'.

Antonyms

02impressive personality

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a quality that makes people notice and admire you when you enter a room.

n. a quality of poise, charisma, or effectiveness that commands attention from others.

“The lead actor had a powerful stage presence that captivated the audience.”

“Despite her quiet voice, she possessed a commanding presence that immediately silenced the room whenever she rose to speak.”

Usage

Commonly modified by adjectives like 'commanding', 'powerful', or 'stage'.

03a spirit or feeling

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a feeling that a person or a spirit is in the room with you, even if you cannot see them.

n. a supernatural or invisible entity perceived as being present in a specific area.

“She felt a strange presence in the old house, as if someone were watching her.”

“The medium claimed to sense a peaceful presence in the garden, suggesting the site held a spiritual significance for the former owners.”

Synonyms

04business activity

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic

n. the fact that a company or group is active and known in a certain area or market.

n. the visible or influential activity of a commercial or military entity within a specific region or market.

“The tech company is trying to grow its presence in the European market.”

“The sudden increase in the military presence along the border raised concerns among international observers regarding the stability of the ceasefire.”

Usage

Often used with 'online', 'market', or 'military'.

05focus and awareness

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Philosophy Academic

n. the state of being completely focused on what is happening right now.

n. the state of being mentally focused on the current moment and immediate surroundings.

“Meditation helps you develop a sense of presence and calm in your daily life.”

“The therapist encouraged her to maintain a sense of presence during stressful conversations rather than retreating into defensive thoughts.”

Usage

Frequently appears in psychological or philosophical contexts regarding mindfulness.

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “presence” in context.

Verb

01. confirm presence

“Please call the office to confirm your presence at the upcoming meeting.”

verb + noun

02. indicate presence

“The sensors indicate the presence of toxic gases in the laboratory.”

verb + noun

03. require presence

“The legal proceedings will require your presence in court next Tuesday.”

verb + noun

04. reveal presence

“The sudden movement of the leaves helped reveal the presence of the hidden animal.”

verb + noun

Real-World Examples

“As he is struggling to fit in, the boy's presence begins to disturb those around him.”
BBC News 28 Jul 2026
“An emergency presence was expected in the area for some time as hot spots were put out.”
BBC News 15 Aug 2026

Etymology

Through Old French presence, from Latin praesentia (“a being present”), from praesentem. Displaced native Old English andweardnes.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Domain

Philosophy

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference