absence

/'æbsəns/

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Explanation of the Word "Absence"

Definition: "Absence" is a noun that refers to the state of being away from a place or not being present. It can also mean the lack of something or someone that is expected.

Usage Instructions

• Use "absence" when you want to talk about someone or something not being there.
• It is often used in contexts like school, work, or social situations.

Examples

1. General Usage: "Her absence from the meeting was noticed by everyone."
2. Lack of Something: "The absence of noise in the library made it very quiet."

Advanced Usage

In more formal or academic writing, "absence" can also refer to a lack of something abstract, like a quality or characteristic. - Example: "The absence of evidence does not prove guilt."

Word Variants

• Absent (adjective): Not present in a place.
  • Example: "He was absent from school yesterday."
• Absentee (noun): A person who is not present at a place where they are expected to be.
  • Example: "The absentee voted by mail."

Different Meanings

1. Physical Absence: Not being in a specific location.
   • Example: "His absence from the party was unexpected."
2. Emotional Absence: Feeling disconnected or not engaged.
   • Example: "There was an absence of joy in the room."

Synonyms

• Nonattendance
• Lack
• Unavailability
• Want

Idioms

• "In someone's absence": Referring to actions or situations that occur when someone is not present.
  • Example: "In her absence, we decided to go ahead with the plan."

Phrasal Verbs

While "absence" itself does not have direct phrasal verbs, you might encounter phrases like: - "Be absent from": To not be present in a certain place. - Example: "She will be absent from the conference next week."

Summary

"Absence" is a useful word when discussing the idea of someone or something being missing or not present.

Academic

Noun

1. 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
2. the time interval during which something or somebody is away
   • he visited during my absence
3. failure to be present
4. the state of being absent
   • he was surprised by the absence of any explanation

Synonyms

• absence seizure