die Abwesenheit
Translation
absence, non-attendance
Examples
Seine Abwesenheit wurde sofort bemerkt.
His absence was noticed immediately.
In seiner Abwesenheit wurde die Entscheidung getroffen.
The decision was made in his absence.
Grammar Patterns
in sb's absence / in the absence of sb. in sb's absence The decision was made in his absence.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Fehlen; Antonyms: Anwesenheit, Präsenz
Etymology
From 'ab-' (away) + 'Wesen' (being, presence) + '-heit' (a suffix forming abstract nouns). It literally means 'away-being-ness'.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'absence'. The 'ab-' prefix in both languages means 'away'. 'Wesenheit' sounds a bit like 'presence', so it's the 'away-presence'.