pres ‧ ence S3 W2 /ˈprez ə ns/ BrE AmE noun
1 . [uncountable] when someone or something is present in a particular place OPP absence :
Your presence is requested at the club meeting on Friday.
presence of
Tests revealed the presence of poison in the blood.
2 . in the presence of somebody ( also in sb’s presence ) formal with someone or in the same place as them:
He was determined not to complain in the presence of the nurse.
I asked you not to smoke in my presence.
3 . APPEARANCE/MANNER [uncountable] the ability to appear impressive to people because of your appearance or the way you behave:
a man of great presence
4 . OFFICIAL GROUP [singular] a group of people, especially soldiers, who are in a place to control what is happening:
We will increase police presence in local communities.
Soldiers still maintain a military presence in the area.
5 . BUSINESS [countable usually singular] the ability to gain sales because your business is strong or noticeable:
a company with a strong presence in all major world markets
6 . SPIRIT [countable usually singular] a spirit or influence that cannot be seen but is felt to be near:
They felt a strange presence in the deserted house.
7 . make your presence felt to have a strong and noticeable effect on the people around you or the situation you are in:
She was a very pretty girl and made her presence felt almost at once.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ indicate the presence of something/somebody
These plants indicate the presence of underground water.
▪ reveal the presence of something/somebody
Excavations revealed the presence of an ancient burial ground.
▪ detect the presence of something/somebody
They invented a device for detecting the presence of submarines.
▪ confirm the presence of something/somebody
Tests confirmed the presence of an infection.
▪ explain the presence of something/somebody
How could he possibly explain the presence of so much money in his flat?
▪ notice somebody's presence
If he had noticed her presence, he gave no sign.
▪ sense somebody's presence (=be aware that someone is present without seeing them)
The man sensed his presence at once and turned sharply.
▪ acknowledge somebody's presence (=speak to someone or make a sign to show that you know they are present)
He acknowledged my presence with a quick wave.
■ phrases
▪ be/become aware of somebody's presence
It was only when I coughed that he became aware of my presence.