Reading Theme:
Absence Definition, Examples, and Common Uses (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：not being present (absence)
absence
/ˈæb.səns/
n.
The state of not being present in a place where you are usually expected to be.
not being present
➕
/nɒt ˈbiːɪŋ ˈprɛzənt/
n.
The condition of being away from a location where one is typically expected, such as work, school, or a meeting.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'absentia': 'ab-' (away) + 'esse' (to be), meaning being away.
💡 Mnemonic
A B Sent - Imagine a bee sent away from the hive; it is absent.
📖 Example
Her absence from the meeting was noted by everyone, as she was the key speaker.
Her absence from the meeting was noted by everyone because she was the key speaker.
🔗 Collocations
absence from work – The state of not being at one's job during scheduled hours
absence without leave – Unauthorized absence from military duty or employment
leave of absence – Permission to be absent from work or school for a period
🔄 Synonyms
nonattendance (n.) – The act or state of not attending a place or event
truancy (n.) – The action of staying away from school without permission
nonappearance (n.) – Failure to appear in a place, especially a court
🚫 Antonyms
presence (n.) – The state of being present in a place
attendance (n.) – The action of being present at a place or event
appearance (n.) – The act of coming into view or being present
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
From Latin 'absentia', used in Medieval courts for failure to appear. Today common in attendance records; proverb 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'.
Meaning 2：lack of something (absence)
absence
/ˈæb.səns/
n.
The fact of something not existing or not being available.
lack of something
➕
/læk əv ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
n.
The state or condition where something does not exist or is not available.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
A complete absence of stress is not realistic, but learning to manage it is key to good health.
A complete absence of stress is not realistic, but learning to manage it is the key to good health.
🔗 Collocations
absence of evidence – Lack of proof or supporting facts
absence of light – Complete darkness or lack of illumination
in the absence of – When something is not present or available
🔄 Synonyms
lack (n.) – The state of being without or not having enough of something
deficiency (n.) – A lack of something essential or required
scarcity (n.) – The state of being in short supply
🚫 Antonyms
presence (n.) – The fact of something existing or being available
abundance (n.) – A very large quantity of something
availability (n.) – The quality of being able to be used or obtained
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