ab·sence
Pronounced:
/ˈæbsəns/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural ab·senc·esMeaning:
1 [singular] : a state or condition in which something expected, wanted, or looked for is not present or does not exist : a state or condition in which something is absent ▪ There was an absence [=lack] of enthusiasm in the crowd. [=the crowd was not enthusiastic] ▪ The products showed a remarkable absence of defects. ▪ In the absence of reform [=without reform], progress was slow. ▪ With the (continued) absence of rain [=because of the lack of rain], crops have begun to dry up.
2 [count] a : a failure to be present at a usual or expected place ▪ He had many absences from work. ▪ I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence. ▪ He was conspicuous by his absence. [=it was very noticeable that he was not present] b : a period of time when someone is not present at a place, job, etc. ▪ She returned to the company after a long/prolonged absence. —see also leave of absence ◊The saying absence makes the heart grow fonder means that you tend to like someone better when that person goes away for a time. ▪ She'll be away for a month, but you know what they say—absence makes the heart grow fonder.
2 [count] a : a failure to be present at a usual or expected place ▪ He had many absences from work. ▪ I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence. ▪ He was conspicuous by his absence. [=it was very noticeable that he was not present] b : a period of time when someone is not present at a place, job, etc. ▪ She returned to the company after a long/prolonged absence. —see also leave of absence ◊The saying absence makes the heart grow fonder means that you tend to like someone better when that person goes away for a time. ▪ She'll be away for a month, but you know what they say—absence makes the heart grow fonder.
in someone's absence
1 : while someone is away ▪ The study was completed in her absence.
2 : in the place of someone who is not present ▪ He was asked to speak in his brother's absence.
2 : in the place of someone who is not present ▪ He was asked to speak in his brother's absence.