French word

absence

Pronunciation

IPA/apsɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nounabsence

Example

J'ai remarqué son absence.

I noticed his absence.

Illustration for absence (absence)

More examples

En cas d'absence, prévenez-nous.

In case of absence, notify us.

Core concept

An expected person or thing is missing from its place, leaving that place or role empty.

Common phrases

  • en cas d'absence

    in case of absence

  • absence de preuve

    lack of evidence

  • absence prolongée

    prolonged absence

Similar words

manque: A shortage of something or someone needed.
vide: The state of having no contents or substance.

Definition in French

État d'une personne qui n'est pas présente à un lieu attendu, ou situation où quelque chose manque.

Word origin

French absence comes through Old French from Latin absentia, formed from absens, 'being away', the present participle of abesse, 'to be away'.

Usage tips

  • Absence is feminine, so standard forms include une absence, cette absence, and en l'absence de quelqu'un or quelque chose.

Other meanings

  • lacknoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word