presence of mind
Calm under pressure
Presence of mind is the ability to stay calm and think clearly in a crisis or unexpected situation.
Someone with presence of mind doesn't freeze or panic but responds quickly and appropriately.
She had the presence of mind to grab the fire extinguisher before the flames spread.
The phrase suggests mental composure that remains present rather than fleeing when most needed.
Unshakable mental steadiness
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- self-possessionCalm control of oneself
- aplombSelf-assured composure
- sangfroidImperturbable calm
coolheadedness · unflappability · imperturbability · steadiness · self-control · coolness · level-headedness · collectedness
State of keen awareness
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
- sharpnessKeenness of edge, mind, or image
- acuitySharpness of mind or sight
keenness · readiness · responsiveness · perception · clarity · quickness · cognizance · watchfulness
Sustained single-minded attention
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
- clear-headednessMental sharpness and focus
- mental claritySharpness of thought
intentness · heedfulness · centeredness · groundedness · absorption · single-mindedness · engagement · deliberation
equanimity
Unshakable mental steadiness
- poiseGraceful, unshakable calm
- self-possessionCalm control of oneself
- aplombSelf-assured composure
sangfroid · coolheadedness · unflappability · imperturbability · steadiness · self-control · coolness · level-headedness · collectedness · gracefulness
vigilance
State of keen awareness
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
- sharpnessKeenness of edge, mind, or image
acuity · keenness · readiness · responsiveness · perception · clarity · quickness · cognizance · watchfulness · perceptiveness
concentration
Sustained single-minded attention
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
- clear-headednessMental sharpness and focus
mental clarity · intentness · heedfulness · centeredness · groundedness · absorption · single-mindedness · engagement · deliberation · reflection
- calmnesscalmness, calm, tranquility, serenity, peacefulness
- composurecalm, calmness, composure, composed, poise
- mental agilityquick wit, mental flexibility, sharp mind, quick-witted, sharp-witted
- mental claritymental clarity, lucidity, clear thinking, clear head, clear-headedness
- Mind/Thought Idiomstrain of thought, food for thought, brainstorm, brain wave, think tank
- witwit, witticism, quip, cleverness, repartee
presence of mindpanic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
losing one's head · freezing · hysteria · falling apart · losing it
presence of mindabsence of mind
Inattention to surroundings
absentmindedness · distraction · inattention · obliviousness · wool-gathering
presence of mindconfusion
Mental disorientation or bewilderment
disorientation · befuddlement · mental fog · absent-mindedness · distraction
present, presence, presents, presentation, presented, representative, presently, presenting, presenter