absent

Everyday

1. Absent means not here, not in the place where someone is expected to be, such as school or work. tree →
2. Absent means missing or not there at all, as in «Snow was absent this winter». tree →
3. Absent-minded means forgetful, thinking about something else. tree →

In the lessons

At school a pupil who is not in class is marked «absent» on the register; one who is there is «present». In science it means something is not found: «Leaves are absent in winter». In everyday life an «absent-minded» person forgets things; an absent parent does not live with the child. Phrases: «absent from school», «be absent».

Examples

• Tom was absent from school because he had a cold. tree →
• Who is absent today? tree →
• The teacher marked three children absent. tree →
• Colour was absent from the old black-and-white photos. tree →
• Grandpa is a bit absent-minded and often loses his glasses. tree →
• If you are absent, bring a note from home. tree →
• Fish are absent from this salty lake. tree →
• While he was absent the boy woke up and dressed himself. tree →

Note

Opposite: present. Noun: absence («a long absence»). Adverb: absently. Usually followed by «from»: absent from class. In maths problems «3 children were absent» means take those 3 away from the whole class to find how many were there.

In Jewish tradition

In Genesis, Laban and Jacob speak of being absent from each other as they make a pact.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the Mizpah words as a prayer that God watch over each of them while apart, when no person could see.

Examples

• and Mizpah, for he said: 'The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. (Torah GEN.31.49, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Opposite: present. Noun: absence («a long absence»). Adverb: absently. Usually followed by «from»: absent from class. In maths problems «3 children were absent» means take those 3 away from the whole class to find how many were there.