# presence

/ˈpɹɛzəns/ (US) · /pɹˈɛzəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/presence
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. being in a place

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. impressive personality

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. a spirit or feeling

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. business activity

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 5. focus and awareness

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Your presence at the meeting is very important.
- The company has a strong presence in the European market after opening three new offices this year.
- The speaker's commanding presence silenced the room before she even reached the podium, demonstrating how charisma can influence an audience as much as the spoken word itself.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.