Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about Presence (AI summary)

The term "presence" in literature carries a rich multiplicity of meanings, functioning both as a marker of physical proximity and as a symbol for more intangible forces. It is often employed to denote the palpable influence a character exerts on their surroundings, as when a mere person’s being seems to instill life and courage in another [1] or to imbue a scene with quiet solace [2]. At times, it suggests a powerful aura that transcends mere physicality, hinting at divine or transcendent influences that affect characters on a spiritual level [3, 4]. In other contexts, "presence" underscores the importance of being seen or acknowledged, be it in royal courts or intimate encounters, where its absence or dilution can be as significant as its overwhelming manifestation [5, 6]. Finally, it can convey an enigmatic quality, evoking mystery or even dread by its subtle hint of something elusive and shadowy [7].
  1. His presence made Jenny all alive; she dared him at once to a trial of skill with her in the wheat-field, which E—— prudently declined.
    — from Roughing It in the Bush by Susanna Moodie
  2. Being one of those imaginative girls, the presence of all our books and furniture soothes her.
    — from Howards End by E. M. Forster
  3. I feel sure that in elemental forces there is purification, and I want to go back to them and live in their presence.
    — from De Profundis by Oscar Wilde
  4. We see how much the Israelites lamented the loss of the ark, which was but the symbol of God's presence among them.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  5. What a weak thing her presence must have become to him!
    — from Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman by Thomas Hardy
  6. Repair me with thy presence, Silvia: Thou gentle nymph, cherish thy forlorn swain.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  7. He stood a shadowy presence beyond the light.
    — from The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, Scrabble


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy