absent

[ab-suhnt, ab-sent, ab-suhnt]

adjective

1. not in a certain place at a given time; away, missing (present ).

   absent from class.

   Synonyms: off, out
   Antonyms: present

2. lacking; nonexistent.

   Revenge is absent from his mind.

3. not attentive; preoccupied; absent-minded.

   an absent look on his face.

verb (used with object)

1. to take or keep (oneself ) away.

   to absent oneself from a meeting.

preposition

1. in the absence of; without.

   Absent some catastrophe, stock-market prices should soon improve.

absent

adjective

1. away or not present

2. lacking; missing

3. inattentive; absent-minded

verb

1. (tr) to remove (oneself) or keep away

Other Word Forms

• absentation noun
• absenter noun
• absentness noun
• nonabsentation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of absent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin absent-, stem of absēns “being away,” present participle of abesse “to be away,” from ab- ab- + esse “to be”

Word History and Origins

Origin of absent¹

C14: from Latin absent-, stem of absēns, present participle of abesse to be away

Example Sentences

With its main rival absent, many speculate the BNP will have a comfortable lead in the election – and if the party wins, Rahman, 58, is expected to be the next prime minister.

From BBC

Linda not only has to mother her child but also serve as caretaker while her absent husband gets to play the role of fun parent via phone.

From Los Angeles Times

A source clarified to E! that Urban was absent from his appointment due to his tour, adding that “it’s mandatory for applicants to be physically present in order to apply for the visa.”

From Los Angeles Times

Each panelist — sans Joy Behar who was absent from Monday’s broadcast — took a turn to address the suspension.

From Los Angeles Times

Studies have found that students who are chronically absent in kindergarten are less likely to read and count proficiently by the end of third grade, and the declines are particularly acute among English-language learners.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• devoid 
• empty 
• lacking 
• missing 
• nonexistent 
• unavailable 
• vacant