absence

/apsɑ̃s/
nounBeginner
general

The state of being away or not present.

Son absence prolongée a inquiété sa famille.

His prolonged absence worried his family.

L'absence de preuves a conduit à l'acquittement.

The absence of evidence led to acquittal.

💡

Can refer to physical or metaphorical absence.

Collocations

en absence dein the absence ofabsence deabsence of

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

en l'absence dephrase
in the absence of

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

In formal contexts, 'absence' is preferred over colloquial alternatives like 'disparition'.

Gold Rule

Legal Context

'Absence' is often used in legal documents to denote the lack of evidence or presence.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'absentia', meaning 'being away'.

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal contexts, especially in legal and administrative language.

Word Breakdown

absent
away
root
+
-ence
state of being
suffix
Noted on May 2, 2026FREN