absence
AB-suns
/ˈæbsəns/
The state of being away from a place or person; the period of time that someone is away.
A general term for not being present. Can be excused or unexcused, planned or unplanned. Does not necessarily imply official 'leave'.
The story behind the word. The word 'absence' comes from the Latin 'absentia', meaning 'being away'. This itself is formed from 'ab-' (meaning 'away from') and 'esse' (meaning 'to be'). So, 'absence' literally means 'to be away from'. It's a straightforward description of not being present, whether it's a person from a place or a quality from an object.
Word relationships
- non-attendance: More formal, often used in educational or official contexts.
- lack: Refers to the non-existence or scarcity of something, not necessarily a person's physical presence.
- presence: The state or fact of being present.
- attendance: The action or state of going regularly to or being present at a place or event.
Commonly confused with
- leave: 'Absence' is the state of being away; 'leave' is the authorized permission for that absence.
Word family
- absent (adjective): Not present in a place, at an occasion, or in a thing.
- absentee (noun): A person who is absent from work or school.
Collocations
- unexplained absence
- prolonged absence
- leave of absence
- absence from work
Idioms & expressions
- absence makes the heart grow fonder
Example sentences
- "Her prolonged absence from work raised concerns among her colleagues." Noting someone's non-attendance.
- "The report noted a significant absence of data for the third quarter." Explaining a gap in a record.
Memory hook
ABSENCE: 'ABSolutely Not preSENt CElebration'. ABSENCE = Not present.
When not to use
While 'absence' is broad, if you know the specific reason for time off (e.g., 'sick leave', 'vacation'), use the more precise term.
Fun facts
- The legal term 'absentee ballot' refers to a vote cast by someone who cannot be physically present at the polls.
Related words
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