pres·ence / ˈprezəns/ • n. the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present in a place or thing: her presence still comforts me the presence of chlorine in the atmosphere the memorial was unveiled in the presence of 24 veterans. ∎  a person or thing that exists or is present in a place but is not seen: the monks became aware of a strange presence. ∎  [in sing.] a group of people, esp. soldiers or police, stationed in a particular place: the USA would maintain a presence in the Indian Ocean region. ∎  the impressive manner or appearance of a person: Richard was not a big man, but his presence was overwhelming | [in sing.] he has a real physical presence. PHRASES: make one's presence felt have a strong and obvious effect or influence on others or on a situation.presence of mind the ability to remain calm and take quick, sensible action: he had the presence of mind to record the scene on video.

presence fact of being present; † assembly, company XIV; carriage or aspect XVI. — (O)F. présence — L. præsentia, f. præsēns, -ent- (whence, through (O)F., present adj. XIII), f. præ- PRE- + -sēns, prp. of sum I am.
So present sb. † presence; thing presented. XIII. — OF. présent; orig. † in present in or into the presence (of), hence, as a gift. present vb. make present XIII; make an offering of XIV. — (O)F. — L. præsentāre, f. præsent-: see -ENCE, -ENT. presentation XIV. — (O)F. — late L. presently † so as to be present XIV; (dial.) at present, now XV; soon XVI.