absent

ab-sent · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Not present in a place; away.

  2. 2.

    Not existing; lacking.

  3. 3.

    (Of an expression) Showing that someone is not paying attention; distracted.

  4. 4.

    (Formal) To stay away from a place; to remove oneself.

  5. 5.

    (Formal) In the absence of; without.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    absent-minded — Forgetful or inattentive.
  • •
    absent without leave (AWOL) — Away from military duty without permission.
  • •
    absent oneself — To deliberately stay away.

Related words

Antonyms: attending, here, present
See also: absence, missing, present
Synonyms: away, lacking, missing, not present

Etymology

From Latin absens, present participle of abesse ("to be away"), from ab- ("away") + esse ("to be").