absence
B2Neutral (used across formal, informal, academic and everyday contexts)
Definition
Meaning
The state of being away or not present
A lack or non-existence of something that is normally present or expected
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to physical non-presence or metaphorical lack. Often carries a sense that something/someone is expected or required but missing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use 'absence' with same frequency and contexts.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Medical context 'absence seizure' is standard internationally.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English across all registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
absence of + nounabsence from + place/eventin the absence of + nounduring/after someone's absenceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”
- “Conspicuous by one's absence”
- “Leave of absence”
- “In absentia”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for employee non-attendance: 'Her absence was noted in the meeting minutes.'
Academic
Used in research: 'The study noted an absence of significant correlation.'
Everyday
Common in social contexts: 'Your absence was noticed at the party.'
Technical
Medical: 'The patient experienced an absence seizure.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He absented himself from the committee meeting.
- The MP was absenting himself from crucial votes.
American English
- She absented herself from the deposition.
- The senator absented himself from the hearing.
adverb
British English
- He nodded absently while reading the report.
- She smiled absently, lost in thought.
American English
- He listened absently to the instructions.
- She waved absently goodbye.
adjective
British English
- The absent teacher was replaced by a supply teacher.
- An absent look crossed his face.
American English
- The absent employee missed the training session.
- She had an absent expression during the lecture.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her absence from school was due to illness.
- I noticed your absence yesterday.
- The manager approved my absence for medical reasons.
- There was a complete absence of evidence.
- His prolonged absence raised concerns among colleagues.
- In the absence of clear guidelines, we proceeded cautiously.
- The conspicuous absence of senior leadership undermined the initiative.
- The study revealed an absence of statistical significance across all cohorts.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ABSENCE starts with 'ABS' like 'absent' - both mean not present. Think: 'ABSent from the SCENE' = absence.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESENCE IS A CONTAINER / ABSENCE IS AN EMPTY CONTAINER
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'absent-minded' (рассеянный) - это другое понятие
- В русском 'абсентеизм' имеет узкое политическое значение, в английском 'absence' шире
- 'Leave of absence' ≠ просто отпуск, а официальное разрешение на отсутствие
Common Mistakes
- Using 'abscence' (incorrect spelling with 'sc')
- Confusing 'absence' (noun) with 'absent' (adjective)
- Incorrect preposition: 'absence in' instead of 'absence from'
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase means 'when someone is not present, their importance becomes clearer'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Absence' emphasizes non-presence of something expected, while 'lack' emphasizes insufficiency or shortage.
Yes, e.g., 'absence of evidence', 'absence of emotion', 'absence of conflict'.
Primarily yes, but it can also be a verb meaning 'to keep oneself away' (formal usage).
Usually 'from' (absence from work/school) or 'of' (absence of evidence).
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