absence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the state of being absent

   I was surprised by the absence of any explanation.

2. 2
   noun

   the time interval during which something or somebody is away

   They visited during my absence.

3. 3
   noun

   A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship

   Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

4. 4
   noun

   The period of someone being away.

   During Jane's absence, Mark will be taking charge.

5. 5
   noun

   Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency.

   Harry Kane was an absence in that first half. He touched the ball 11 times despite Spurs taking 62% of possession.

6. 6
   noun

   Lack; deficiency; non-existence.

   He had an absence of enthusiasm.

7. 7
   noun

   Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind).

   absence of mind

8. 8
   noun

   failure to be present

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *-o Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó Proto-Italic *ap Latin abder. Latin ab- Proto-Indo-European *h₁es- Proto-Indo-European *h₁ésmi Proto-Indo-European *bʰuH- Proto-Indo-European *bʰúHt Proto-Italic *som~*ezom Latin sum Latin absum Latin absēns Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Italic *-ios Old Latin -ios Latin -ius Latin -ia Latin absentiader. Old French absencebor. Middle English absence English absence From Middle English absence, from Old French absence, ausence, from Latin absentia, from absēns (“absent”), present active participle of absum (“to be away or absen…