presence of mind

noun phrase

: self-control so maintained in an emergency or in an embarrassing situation that one can say or do the right thing

Examples of presence of mind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Barca players looked at each other making two gestures: the first one asking for calm; the second, with the index finger touching the head, asking for presence of mind. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 The play started in the defensive zone, with Larkin picking up a puck, resetting, then transporting it himself through the neutral zone, chipping it past the defender and just winning a physical battle — and then still having the presence of mind to find the trailer. — Max Bultman, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of presence of mind was circa 1624

Rhymes for presence of mind

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Browse Nearby Words

presence chamber
presence of mind
presensation
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Cite this Entry

“Presence of mind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presence%20of%20mind. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

presence of mind

: ability to think clearly and act quickly in an emergency
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