omnipresent

[ om-nuh-prez-uhnt ]

adjective

1. present everywhere at the same time:

   the omnipresent God.

omnipresent

/ ˌɒmnɪˈprɛzənt /

adjective

1. (esp of a deity) present in all places at the same time

Derived Forms

• ˌomniˈpresence, noun

Other Words From

• omni·presence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of omnipresent¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Medieval Latin omnipraesent- (stem of omnipraesēns ), equivalent to Latin omni- omni- + praesent- present ¹

Synonym Study

Omnipresent, ubiquitous refer to the quality of being everywhere. Omnipresent emphasizes in a lofty or dignified way the power, usually divine, of being present everywhere at the same time, as though all-enveloping: Divine law is omnipresent. Ubiquitous is applied to that which seems to appear in many and all sorts of places, or in an undignified or humorous way is “all over the place,” often when unwanted: A bore seems to be ubiquitous.

Example Sentences

Not to pick on L.A. schools or students: Grade inflation is omnipresent and more common in affluent areas.

From Los Angeles Times

The difference is that while Sinatra’s voice remains omnipresent in modern life, “the ephemeral magic of Johnny Carson, who loomed just as large and swung just as mightily … no longer hums and flickers into nightscape ambiance.”

From Los Angeles Times

This is still a show where whatever swishing inside those omnipresent golden goblets takes the edge of most tensions.

From Salon

Graffiti has been a central part of Los Angeles for generations, an omnipresent part of the cityscape that has endured many attempts to stamp it out.

From Los Angeles Times

The series of seismic disturbances has shaken the nerves of some Southern Californians — serving as an unpleasant reminder of the omnipresent threat of the Big One.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• infinite
• pervasive
• ubiquitous