absence
/ˈæb.s(ə)n̩s/ noun B1- A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship · Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
- The period of someone being away. · During Jane's absence, Mark will be taking charge.
- Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency.
- Lack; deficiency; non-existence. · He had an absence of enthusiasm.
- Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind). · absence of mind
- Temporary loss or disruption of consciousness, with sudden onset and recovery, and common in epilepsy.
- Lack of contact between blades.
Plural absences
From the library
We could not explain the absence of a ticket.
Only, during the respite the absence of his rival afforded him, he reflected, partly on the means of deceiving Mercédès as to the cause of his absence, partly on plans of emigration and abduction, as from time to time he sat sad and motionless on the summit of Cape Pharo, at the spot from whence Marseilles and the Catalans are visible, watching for the apparition of a young and handsome man, who was for him also the messenger of vengeance.
The German name of the victim, the absence of all other motive, and the sinister inscription on the wall, all pointed to its perpetration by political refugees and revolutionists.
But that reminds me that I must ask your leave of absence for some days.”
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