absent

Not at the place where you are expected to be, or missing from somewhere.

• Two students are absent today.
• He was absent from work because he was ill.
• Why were you absent from the meeting?

How to use it: be absent from somewhere (Maya was absent from class yesterday.)

Similar words: away, missing

Opposites: present

Common phrases: absent from school, absent from work, absent today, an absent student

Not existing or not found in something at all.

• Signs of infection were absent.
• The usual markings are absent in this species.
• Any sense of fairness was entirely absent from the policy.

How to use it: be absent in/from something (This feature is absent in some species.)

Similar words: missing, nonexistent, lacking

Opposites: present, existing

Common phrases: completely absent, entirely absent, absent in something, noticeably absent

Thinking about something else and not paying attention to what is happening around you.

• She gave him an absent smile.
• His absent expression suggested that he hadn't heard me.
• During dinner, he seemed strangely absent.

Similar words: distracted, absent-minded, preoccupied

Opposites: attentive, alert

Common phrases: an absent look, an absent smile, an absent expression, seem absent

Without something, or if something does not happen.

• Absent proof, we cannot act.
• Absent an agreement, the dispute will continue.
• The plan should succeed, absent any major problems.

How to use it: absent + noun phrase (Absent any objections, the proposal will go ahead.)

Similar words: without, in the absence of

Common phrases: absent any evidence, absent an agreement, absent further information, absent any objections

To deliberately stay away from a place or event where you would normally be present.

• He chose to absent himself.
• Several members absented themselves from the vote.
• Why did you absent yourself from the proceedings?

How to use it: absent oneself from something (She absented herself from the meeting.)

Similar words: stay away, withdraw

Opposites: attend

Common phrases: absent yourself, absent yourself from something