Meaning of "absent"

[lara]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #212 "Quickies", question 2

If you are absent are you .........?

(a) here
(b) there
(c) not here
(d) not sure

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #212 "Quickies", answer 2

If you are absent are you not here?

Correct answer: (c) not here
_________________________

meaning of "absent"

Lara

[Conchita]

As indicated in the test, 'absent' means 'not here', 'not present':

Half the class was absent through illness.

You can also absent yourself, that is, stay away (from class/from a meeting) deliberately. If you do that from work, it's called absenteeism:

Absenteeism is very noticeable on Monday mornings.

If you are forgetful, you are absent-minded:

I'm so absent-minded I left the keys in the fridge.