ausentes

Ausentes is the plural form of the adjective ausente in Spanish and Portuguese, used to describe people or things that are not present. As a noun, it can refer to the group of individuals who are absent from a defined event, meeting, or proceeding. The term is common in official lists, minutes, and reporting to indicate attendance status.

Etymology and form: Ausente comes from Latin absens, absentis, from abesse meaning to be away. In both languages the singular forms are ausente (masculine and feminine) and the plural form is ausentes, used for masculine, mixed, or feminine groups, depending on the sentence structure and gender concord.

Usage notes: In Spanish, ausentes contrasts with presentes to indicate attendance or participation. In Portuguese, the equivalent usage applies, with os ausentes marking those who did not attend. The word can also be used metaphorically to refer to parties, ideas, or groups that are not involved or not participating in a discussion or process. Regional variations may affect style and frequency of use, particularly in legal or administrative texts.

Examples: En la reunión, cinco ausentes fueron notificados. Los ausentes no votaron. Em Portugal, os ausentes não compareceram à sessão. O relatório distinguish os ausentes dos presentes, destacando a participação.

See also: ausente, ausência, ausentar.