presence: Meaning and Definition of

pres•ence

Pronunciation: (prez'uns), [key]
— n.
  1. the state or fact of being present, as with others or in a place.
  2. attendance or company: Your presence is requested.
  3. immediate vicinity; proximity: in the presence of witnesses.
  4. the military or economic power of a country as reflected abroad by the stationing of its troops, sale of its goods, etc.: the American military presence in Europe; the Japanese presence in the U.S. consumer market.
  5. the immediate personal vicinity of a great personage giving audience or reception: summoned to her presence.
  6. the ability to project a sense of ease, poise, or self-assurance, esp. the quality or manner of a person's bearing before an audience: The speaker had a good deal of stage presence.
  7. personal appearance or bearing, esp. of a dignified or imposing kind: a man of fine presence.
  8. a person, esp. of noteworthy appearance or compelling personality: He is a real presence, even at a private party.
  9. a divine or supernatural spirit felt to be present: He felt a presence with him in the room.
  10. See
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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