(Entry 1 of 3)
Definition of absent (Entry 2 of 3)
Adjective
Adjective
abstracted, preoccupied, absent, absentminded, distracted mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration. abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.
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walking about with an abstracted air preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.
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too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.
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an absent stare absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.
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so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.
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was too distracted by grief to continue working
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Preposition
1944, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin absent-, absens, present participle of abesse "to be away, be absent," from ab- ab- + -sens, present participle (attested only with prefixes) of esse "to be" — more at is entry 1
Verb
Middle English absenten, borrowed from Anglo-French absenter, borrowed from Late Latin absentāre, verbal derivative of Latin absent-, absens absent entry 1
Preposition
derivative of absent entry 1
(Entry 1 of 2)
Synonyms for absent
Words Related to absent
Near Antonyms for absent
Antonyms for absent
Synonyms for absent
Words Related to absent
Near Antonyms for absent
Antonyms for absent
absent
prepositionSynonyms of absent (Entry 2 of 2)
absent
adjective