absentes

Absentes is the feminine plural form of the French adjective absente, meaning not present. It is used to describe female persons who are not present at a place, event, or proceeding. The masculine and feminine forms cohere with the noun they modify: absente (feminine singular), absents (masculine plural), absentes (feminine plural).

In usage, absentes is typically used as an adjective: for example, les étudiantes absentes ont été excusées, meaning the female students who are absent have been excused. It can also function as a noun phrase referring to a group of women who are not present, as in les absentes.

Etymology and related terms: the word derives from Latin abesse, meaning to be away. In modern French, the concept is linked to the noun absence and to absenteeism, which describes the habitual absence from work, school, or other obligations. The forms absente, absents, and absentes reflect standard gender and number agreement in French grammar.

See also: absence, absenteeism, absent.