Absence Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

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The Britannica Dictionary absence 3 ENTRIES FOUND:

• absence (noun)
• leave of absence (noun)
• heart (noun)

absence /ˈæbsəns/ noun plural absences absence /ˈæbsəns/ noun plural absences Britannica Dictionary definition of ABSENCE 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.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 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]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 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.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — 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.

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in someone's absence

1 : while someone is away

• The study was completed in her absence.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 : in the place of someone who is not present

• He was asked to speak in his brother's absence.

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