presence
gb/pɹˈɛzəns/ us/pɹˈɛzəns/
A2
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
state
1
state of being present
When someone or something is in a place.
Usage pattern:
[someone's/something's] presence [somewhere]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'presence' with 'present' as an adjective or noun meaning 'gift'. They are different words with different meanings.
Synonyms
attendance (Implies being present at an event or meeting, often in a formal or recorded way.)
Antonyms
absence (Refers to the state of not being in a place.)
Collocations
in someone's presence
|physical presence
|presence in the room
|confirm presence
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her presence at the meeting surprised everyone.
- The teacher's presence in the classroom kept the students quiet.
- Police confirmed his presence at the scene of the crime.
- Your presence here means a lot to me.
Learner examples
- She was happy about his presence.
- The dog’s presence made me feel safe.
- I felt his presence in the room.
- Her presence helped me stay calm.
Noun
B1
property
2
quality of impactful appearance
The way someone looks or acts that makes people notice them.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has a strong presence
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with physical location. Here it refers to personality impact, not just being there.
Synonyms
charisma (Often implies charm and attractiveness that inspires others.)
Antonyms
anonymity (The state of not being noticed or recognized.)
Collocations
commanding presence
|stage presence
|strong presence
|charismatic presence
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The actor has a commanding stage presence.
- Her calm presence reassured the nervous crowd.
- He lacks the presence needed for leadership roles.
- The speaker’s presence filled the room with energy.
Learner examples
- The singer has a big stage presence.
- His strong presence made people listen.
- She has a warm presence that helps people relax.
- The teacher’s presence makes the class quiet.
Noun
formal
B2
state
3
existence in a location
When something is found or exists in a place.
Usage pattern:
presence of [something] [somewhere]
Synonyms
existence (General term for being real or present, without implying influence.)
Antonyms
nonexistence (The state of not existing at all.)
Collocations
military presence
|online presence
|police presence
|foreign presence
Themes
science
|business
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There is a strong military presence along the border.
- The company is expanding its online presence.
- Tests confirmed the presence of bacteria in the water.
- A foreign presence has been felt in the region for years.
Learner examples
- There is police presence in the park.
- The company has an online presence.
- We saw a military presence at the airport.
- Tests show the presence of sugar in the drink.
Grammar
Dictionary form
presence
IPA
GB/pɹˈɛzəns/
US/pɹˈɛzəns/
Syllables & stress
pres - ence (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pres)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: presence
- Plural: presence, presences
Word family
Expressions
in the presence of
1/ˈɪn ðə pɹˈɛzəns əv/
fixed phrase
while someone/something is there
When someone or something is there with you.
Examples
- Please do not smoke in the presence of children.
- He was nervous in the presence of his boss.
make your presence felt
1/mˈeɪk jˈʊɹ pɹˈɛzəns fˈɛlt/
idiom
show clear influence or effect
To make sure people notice you and your influence.
Examples
- The new manager quickly made her presence felt in the office.
- He made his presence felt during the debate.
online presence
1/ˈɔnlˌaɪn pɹˈɛzəns/
fixed phrase
existence on the internet
How much someone or something can be found on the internet.
Examples
- The brand is working to improve its online presence.
- A good online presence can help you get more customers.
presence of mind
1/pɹˈɛzəns əv mˈaɪnd/
fixed phrase
clear thinking under pressure
The ability to think and act quickly when something bad or surprising happens.
Examples
- She had the presence of mind to call 911 immediately.
- He lost his presence of mind during the crisis.