School / A2

ABS-uh-nt/ˈæbsənt/

Absent means not in the place where people expect you: absent from work, absent from class, two people absent. Away and off are everyday cousins. Present is a useful opposite (everyone present). Absence is the noun. Do not write absent when you mean absence, or absorb.

Meaning

Not in a place where you are expected to be.

Examples

• “Two staff were absent, so the shop closed early.”
• “The manager was absent, so we waited at reception.”
• “Mark the box if your child will be absent on Friday.”

Good to know

absent from work / class. Opposite: present. Noun: absence. Mix-up: absence (the noun).

Near in meaning

away

Topics

New