What does “Presence of mind” mean?

"Presence of mind" means the ability to think quickly and clearly in a difficult or unexpected situation.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He showed great presence of mind when the car in front of him suddenly swerved.

Example

In a moment of crisis, her presence of mind allowed her to make a split-second decision.

Example

The firefighter's presence of mind saved the child from the burning building

Is “Presence of mind” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Presence of mind” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Presence of mind” effectively in context?

You can use "Presence of Mind" to describe someone's ability to think quickly and clearly in a difficult or unexpected situation. It emphasizes the importance of staying calm and making rational decisions under pressure. For example, if a friend successfully avoids a car accident by reacting swiftly, you might say, 'He showed great presence of mind when the car in front of him suddenly swerved.'

1Driving
In a moment of crisis, her presence of mind allowed her to make a split-second decision.
2Emergency
The firefighter's presence of mind saved the child from the burning building.
3Sports
Despite the intense pressure, the athlete maintained his presence of mind and made the winning shot.

Similar phrases to “Presence of mind”:

Quick thinking

The ability to think and react rapidly in a situation

Example

Her quick thinking saved the company from a major financial loss.

Clear-headedness

The state of being calm and able to think clearly

Example

His clear-headedness helped him make rational decisions during the crisis.

Composure

The ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations

Example

She maintained her composure despite the challenging circumstances.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Presence of mind” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Presence of Mind" is unknown.

Is “Presence of mind” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Presence of Mind" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to praise someone's ability to stay calm and think clearly in challenging situations.

What tone does “Presence of mind” have?

"Presence of Mind" conveys a tone of admiration and respect. It highlights the importance of quick thinking and rational decision-making in difficult or unexpected circumstances.

Can “Presence of mind” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "presence of mind" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a valuable quality. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, interviews, or professional discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He showed great presence of mind and avoided a potential disaster.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to use "presence of mind"!' to imply the need for quick thinking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

alertness
acuity
resourcefulness
quick wit
sharp mind