absentmindedness
Học thuậtThân thiện
The professor's absentmindedness led him to pour orange juice into his cereal bowl.
Definition
Noun: A state or quality of being so preoccupied with one's thoughts that one becomes inattentive or forgetful regarding immediate surroundings or routine tasks. It is characterized by a lack of attention to present demands due to deep mental engagement elsewhere.
Usage
This noun describes a habitual or temporary mental condition. It is typically used to explain lapses in memory or attention. * It often functions as the subject or object of a sentence. * It can be modified by adjectives (e.g., chronic, momentary, usual).
Examples
- His absentmindedness caused him to leave his keys in the door again.
- The professor was known for his brilliant lectures and his endearing absentmindedness.
- A moment of absentmindedness led her to put the milk in the cupboard instead of the refrigerator.
Advanced Usage
- "a fit of absentmindedness": A temporary episode of being forgetful or inattentive.
- In a fit of absentmindedness, he drove past his own exit on the highway.
Variants and Related Words
- Absentminded (adjective): Having or showing a habitually forgetful or inattentive disposition.
- An absentminded inventor who often forgot to eat.
- Absentmindedly (adverb): In a preoccupied, forgetful manner.
- She absentmindedly nodded while reading her book.
Synonyms
- Preoccupation: Absorption in thought that distracts from other things.
- Forgetfulness: The quality of being apt or likely to forget.
- Inattention: Failure to pay attention.
- Abstractedness: The state of being lost in thought.
Antonyms
- Attentiveness: The action of paying close attention.
- Alertness: The quality of being vigilant and quick to notice.
- Mindfulness: The state of being conscious or aware.
The professor's absentmindedness led him to pour orange juice into his cereal bowl.
Noun
- preoccupation so great that the ordinary demands on attention are ignored