absent
UK: /ˈæbsənt/ | US: /ˈæbsənt/
adj. not present in a place or situation
adj. lacking or nonexistent
vt. to keep oneself away (formal)
absent = ab<s<away, from> + sent<being, present>
- ab<away, from>: Latin prefix ab-, meaning "away from" (e.g., abnormal, abduct).
- sent<being, present>: From Latin esse (to be), via Old French absent (missing). The root sent reflects the participle form sens- (being).
Etymology Origin:
The word absent originated in Middle English from Old French absent, derived from Latin absens (away, missing). The Latin absens combines ab- (away) + sens (present participle of esse, to be), literally meaning "being away." Over time, it retained its core sense of physical or conceptual absence while gaining verbal use (e.g., "to absent oneself").
She was absent from school due to illness.
His name is conspicuously absent from the guest list.
The manager absented himself during the critical meeting.
Any form of empathy was absent in his response.
The report highlights absent safety measures.