Dictionary

absence

Etymology

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").

Pronunciation

(British) IPA: /ˈæb.s(ə)n̩s/, /ˈæb.s(ə)n̩ts/
(America)
- IPA: /ˈæb.s(ə)n̩s/, /ˈæb.sn̩ts/
- IPA: /ˈæbsɒns/, /æbˈsɒns/

Noun

absence (uncountable)

A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
The period of someone being away. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
During Jane's absence, Mark will be taking charge.
- 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC ↗, Philippians 2:12 ↗:
  Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence.
Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
Lack; deficiency; nonexistence. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
He had an absence of enthusiasm.
- 1826, James Kent, Commentaries on American Law:
  in the absence of higher and more authoritative sanctions the ordinances of foreign states, the opinions of eminent statesmen, and the writings of distinguished jurists, are regarded as of great consideration on questions not settled by conventional law
Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind). [First attested in the early 18^th century.]
absence of mind
- 1711 June 9 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison; Richard Steele et al.], “TUESDAY, May 29, 1711”, in The Spectator, number 77; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume I, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, →OCLC ↗:
  Reflecting on the little absences and distractions of mankind.
  The spelling has been modernized.
(medical) Temporary loss or disruption of consciousness, with sudden onset and recovery, and common in epilepsy. [First attested in the mid 20^th century.]
(fencing) Lack of contact between blades.