presence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the impression that something is present

   The cave dweller felt the presence of an evil force.

2. 2
   noun

   the immediate proximity of someone or something

   The children were intimidated by their father's presence.

3. 3
   noun

   The fact or condition of being present, or of being within sight or call, or at hand.

   Any painter can benefit from the presence of a live model from which to draw.

4. 4
   noun

   The part of space within one's immediate vicinity.

   Bob never said anything about it in my presence.

5. 5
   noun

   A quality that sets an individual out from others; a quality that makes them noticed and/or admired even if they are not speaking or performing.

   Despite being less than five foot, she filled up the theatre with her stage presence.

6. 6
   noun

   Something (as a spirit) felt or believed to be present.

   I'm convinced that there was a presence in that building that I can't explain, which led to my heroic actions.

7. 7
   verb

   To make or become present.

   Presence means: the constant abiding that approaches man, reaches him, is extended to him. But what is this source of this extending reach to which the present belongs as presencing, insofar as there is presence? True, man always remains approached by the presencing of something actually present without explicitly heeding presencing itself.

8. 8
   noun

   the act of being present

Etymology

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