adjective / preposition / verb
absent
AB-sunt/ˈæbsənt/
Not being present in a place or situation.
The empty seat shows that one pupil is absent.
Etymology
“Away” plus “be” describes someone as being elsewhere. The Latin participle meant “being away,” directly connecting to not being present in an expected place.
In context
THERE WERE FIVE OF US PRESENT TWO ABSENT THAT EVENING.
More examples
- He absented himself from the discussion.
- She is absenting herself from the ceremony.
- Absent further evidence, the question remains open.
Forms
absent · absents · absented · absenting
absence noun — The state of not being present.