# presence

Pronunciation: say "PREZ-uhns" US /ˈpɹɛz(ə)ns/, UK /ˈpɹɛzn̩s/

## Noun

1. The fact or condition of being in a particular place, within sight, or close at hand.
   - Simple: The fact of being in a place, or being close enough to be seen or reached.
   - _The guard's presence at the gate discouraged trespassers._
   - _She felt his presence in the room before she even turned around._
2. A company's business activity or operations within a particular market.
   - Simple: A company's business activity in a particular market or area.
   - _The firm expanded its presence across European markets last year._
   - _Online retailers built a strong presence before opening any physical stores._
3. The area immediately around a person, as in the phrase in the presence of witnesses.
   - Simple: The area of space right around a person.
   - _The documents were signed in the presence of two witnesses._
   - _He kept his composure in the presence of the visiting dignitaries._
4. An impressive manner or bearing that makes a person noticed or admired, especially a performer's power to hold an audience.
   - Simple: A strong way of being that makes people notice you, like a performer who holds an audience.
   - _He had a quiet presence that made colleagues trust him instantly._
   - _Her natural presence marked her as a leader long before she held any title._
5. A body of police officers or troops posted at a location, typically to maintain order or to demonstrate force.
   - Simple: Police officers or soldiers placed somewhere to keep order or to show power.
   - _The government has steadily increased its military presence along the northern border._
   - _Residents said the heavy police presence outside the courthouse made them nervous._
6. A being or force, such as a spirit, that is felt or believed to be present in a place.
   - Simple: A spirit, unseen being, or force that someone feels or believes is there.
   - _The medium claimed to sense a hostile presence in the séance room._
   - _Many who stay overnight describe an unseen presence watching them._
7. Full attention to the present moment, with the mind kept from straying to thoughts that do not matter.
   - Simple: The state of being fully focused on the present moment, not distracted by other thoughts.
   - _Meditation builds presence, the habit of noticing each breath instead of worrying about tomorrow._
   - _He struggled to maintain presence during the long, repetitive task._

## Noun

8. An assembly of great or eminent persons. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: A gathering of important or powerful people.

## Other meanings

- (verb) To make something present, or to come to be present.
- (noun) The ambient background sound of a recording space, captured so editors can smooth audio edits; a synonym of room tone.

## Origin

Latin praesentia ("a being present"), from praesentem, reached English through Old French presence. It took over from the native Old English word andweardnes.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/presence (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).