presence of mind

noun

self-control in a crisis; ability to say or do the right thing in an emergency

• Hypernyms:

↑self-control, ↑self-possession, ↑possession, ↑willpower, ↑will power, ↑self-command, ↑self-will

* * *

[noun]

level-headedness, calmness, composure, cool (slang), coolness, self-possession, wits

* * *

COMPOSURE, equanimity, self-possession, level-headedness, self-assurance, calmness, sangfroid, imperturbability; alertness, quick-wittedness; informal cool, unflappability.

→ presence

* * *

Etymology: translation of Latin praesentia animi

: self-control so maintained in an emergency, in danger, or in an embarrassing situation that one can say or do the right thing : unshaken calmness and readiness of thought

* * *

a calm state of mind that allows one to think clearly or act effectively in an emergency.

[1655-65]

* * *

presence of mind

A state of mental calmness in which all the powers of the mind are on the alert and ready for action

• • •

Main Entry: ↑mind

————————

presence of mind

1. The power of keeping one's wits about one

2. Coolness and readiness in emergency, danger or surprise

• • •

Main Entry: ↑presence

* * *

presence of mind UK US noun [uncountable]

the ability to think quickly and clearly in a difficult situation

Fortunately she had the presence of mind to run into the street.

Thesaurus: intelligence, intuition and ability to understand_synonym someone who is intelligent or well informed_hyponym

* * *

presence of mind,

the ability to think calmly and quickly when taken by surprise.

* * *

the ability to remain calm and take quick, sensible action

he had the presence of mind to record the scene on video

* * *

noun [noncount]

: the ability to think clearly and act quickly especially in an emergency

— usually followed by to + verb

The child had the presence of mind to call for an ambulance.

He had the presence of mind to write down the license plate number of the car.

* * *

ˌpresence of ˈmind [presence of mind] noun uncountable

the ability to react quickly and stay calm in a difficult or dangerous situation

•

The boy

had the presence of mind to

turn off the gas.