Definition of ABSENCE

absence

Plural: absences

Noun

  • The state of being away from a place or person.
  • the state of being absent
    • "he was surprised by the absence of any explanation"
  • failure to be present
  • the time interval during which something or somebody is away
    • "he visited during my absence"
  • the occurrence of an abrupt, transient loss or impairment of consciousness (which is not subsequently remembered), sometimes with light twitching, fluttering eyelids, etc.; common in petit mal epilepsy
  • A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship
  • The period of someone being away.
  • Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency.
  • Lack; deficiency; non-existence.
  • Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind).
  • Temporary loss or disruption of consciousness, with sudden onset and recovery, and common in epilepsy.
  • Lack of contact between blades.

Examples

  • Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
  • absence of mind
  • During Jane's absence, Mark will be taking charge.
  • He had an absence of enthusiasm.
  • The absence of any vowels on my rack is a serious problem.

Origin / 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”).

Synonyms

absence seizure, missingness

Scrabble Score: 11

absence: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
absence: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
absence: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

absence: valid Words With Friends Word