Absence

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈæb.snÌ©s/, /ˈæb.snÌ©ts/

Alternative forms

• abs.

Origin

From Middle English absence, from Old French absence, ausence, from Latin absentia, from absēns ("absent"), present active participle of absum ("I am away or absent"), from ab ("from, away from") + sum ("I am").

Full definition of absence

Noun

1. A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; the period of being away. First attested around 1350 to 1470.

1. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
• unknown date Phillipians 2:12Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence.
2. Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency. First attested around 1350 to 1470.
   He had an absence of enthusiasm.
• unknown date - KentIn the absence of conventional law.
3. Lack; deficiency; nonexistence. First attested around 1350 to 1470.
4. Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind). First attested in the early 18^th century.
   absence of mind
• unknown date, Joseph Addison (1672-1719)Reflecting on the little absences and distractions of mankind.
• 1824-1829?, Walter Landor, Imaginary ConversationsTo conquer that abstraction which is called absence.
5. (medical) Temporary loss or disruption of consciousness, with sudden onset and recovery, and common in epilepsy. First attested in the mid 20^th century.
6. (fencing) Lack of contact between blades.

Antonyms

• presence

Derived terms

• absence makes the heart grow fonder

Related terms

• absent
• absentee
• absenteeism