absenceab•sence /'æbs(ə)ns/

n C,U

1. 缺席

• His long absence from work delayed his promotion. 他长期不上班耽误了提升。

• an unexcused absence in a class 无故旷课

• be conspicuous by one's absence 因缺席而引人注目

2. 缺席之时间，外出期

• He took care of their house during (或in) their absence. 他们不在时，由他照看他们的房子。

3. 不存在，缺乏

• absence of mind 心不在焉

• in the absence of a special contract 在没有专门合同的情况下

词组Absence makes the heart grow fonder. 谚 别久情深。