pres·ence 
/ˈprɛzn̩s/ noun
plural pres·encenc·es /ˈprɛzn̩s/ noun 1 [count] : the fact of being in a particular place : the state of being present — usually singular ▪ The test results showed the presence of bacteria in the water. [=showed that there were bacteria in the water] ▪ No one was aware of the stranger's presence. ▪ His very presence on the basketball court intimidated opponents. ▪ She talked about the growing presence of women in the construction industry. [=the increasing number of women working in the construction industry] 2 [noncount] : the area that is close to someone — used to describe being in the same place as someone ▪ Please don't smoke in my presence. [=near me; when I am present] ▪ She asked them not to talk about the accident in her presence. ▪ Their daughter is shy in the presence of [=around] strangers. ▪ The contract was signed in the presence of two witnesses. 3 [count] : someone or something that is seen or noticed in a particular place, area, etc. — usually singular ▪ Her mother was a constant presence at the swim meets. [=her mother always went to the swim meets] ▪ There is a heavy military presence in the city. [=there are a lot of soldiers, military vehicles, etc., in the city] ▪ The company is an important presence on the Internet. 4 [singular] : a way of moving, standing, speaking, etc.
▪ He'll be remembered as a caring teacher with a warm presence. [=a kind and gentle way of speaking, behaving, etc.] ▪ an actor with a commanding presence on the stage = an actor with a commanding stage presence [=an actor with a powerful quality that attracts attention on the stage] 5 [count] literary : something (such as a spirit) that you cannot see but that you feel or believe is present — usually singular ▪ She felt a ghostly presence in the room.
▪ He'll be remembered as a caring teacher with a warm presence. [=a kind and gentle way of speaking, behaving, etc.] ▪ an actor with a commanding presence on the stage = an actor with a commanding stage presence [=an actor with a powerful quality that attracts attention on the stage]
grace (a person, group, etc.) with your presence — see 2grace
make your presence felt/heard/known
: to make people aware of you by gaining power or influence over them
▪ Women are making their presence felt in the industry. ▪ The Internet service is making its presence known by doing a lot of advertising.
▪ Women are making their presence felt in the industry. ▪ The Internet service is making its presence known by doing a lot of advertising.
