[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/presence/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [P](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/p/) / presence

# presence

noun (presence, uncountable; a presence)

«presence» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Presence is being in a place: "your presence is requested at the meeting" means please come. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#m1)
2. In the presence of someone means with them there: "don't swear in the presence of children". [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#m2)
3. A presence is a person or thing you can feel is there, sometimes one you cannot see: "she felt a strange presence in the room". [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#m3)
4. Presence (or stage presence) is a strong, confident way of standing and speaking that makes people notice you. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#m4)

### In the lessons

In science, tests check for the presence of starch or water. In stories, a ghostly presence makes a scene scary. In formal letters and exam language, "presence" replaces "being there". Phrases: in the presence of, presence of mind, stage presence, make your presence felt, a police presence.

### Examples

- The test shows the presence of starch in the bread. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#x1)
- Your presence at the party made it special. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#x2)
- He kept calm in the presence of danger. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#x3)
- She felt a strange presence in the dark attic. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#x4)
- There was a large police presence at the match. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#x5)
- Quick presence of mind saved the boy from falling. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#x6)
- The actor has great stage presence. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#x7)
- For a time he seemed unconscious of their presence. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/#x8)

### Note

Uncountable in most senses. Do not confuse presence (being there) with presents (gifts) — they sound the same. Adjective: present. Opposite: absence.

## In Jewish tradition

Often it means being in front of someone important. When God says "My presence" it means God's own nearness, going with Israel.

**Interpretation.** The rabbis call God's nearness the Shekhinah, the Divine Presence that dwells with Israel.

### Examples

- And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh. (Torah GEN.47.10, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/P/presence/#x1)
- And He said: 'My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.' (Torah EXO.33.14, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/P/presence/#x2)
- And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. (Torah EXO.35.20, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/P/presence/#x3)
- Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. (Writings NEH.2.1, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/P/presence/#x4)
- Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. (Writings PSA.100.2, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/P/presence/#x5)
- When mine enemies are turned back, they stumble and perish at Thy presence; (Writings PSA.9.4, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/P/presence/#x6)

### Note

Uncountable in most senses. Do not confuse presence (being there) with presents (gifts) — they sound the same. Adjective: present. Opposite: absence.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «presence» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/presence/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«presence» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/presence.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «presence» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/P/presence/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«presence» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/presence.html) on Mova free.