Absent
/ˈæbsənt/
adjectiveBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
not present; away
/ˈæbsənt/
adjectiveneutralBeginner
General
She was absent from work due to illness.
More Examples
2
His absence from the meeting was noted.
3
The absent students will need to catch up on the missed lessons.
How It's Used
General
"He was absent from school yesterday."
Late 14th century (in the sense 'not in place'): from Old French absent, from Latin absent- 'not present', from the verb abs- 'be away' + esse 'be'.
Historically, absent was used in legal contexts, such as appearing in court 'in absentia' or being absent from one's duties.
Memory tip
Imagine someone not present at a gathering or event.
Practice
Base: absent
absentabsintabsentt
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written