How to Pronounce Absence

To pronounce "absence", say ABS-enc-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈæb.s(ə)n̩s/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

absence

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈæb.s(ə)n̩s/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “absence”

"absence" has 3 syllables: abs-enc-e.

What does absence mean?

noun

  1. A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; the period of being away.

    “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

  2. Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency.

Synonyms

missingness

Antonyms

existencepossessionsufficiencypresence

Hear “absence” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

absentabsenteeabsenteeismmissingomissiondefaultdenialfail

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "absence"?▾

"Absence" has 3 syllables: abs · enc · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "absence"?▾

The IPA transcription of "absence" is /ˈæb.s(ə)n̩s/.

What does "absence" mean?▾

Absence: A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; the period of being away.

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