ausentarse
Lemma Details
Translation: to absent oneself; to leave; to go away; to be absent
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'absens, absentis' (being away), from 'abesse' (to be away), which combines 'ab-' (away) and 'esse' (to be). The English cognate 'absent' shares the same Latin root. The reflexive form in Spanish ('ausentarse') emphasizes the action of removing oneself, while the English 'absent' can be used both as an adjective and verb.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Me ausenté de la reunión porque estaba enfermo.
I was absent from the meeting because I was sick.
El director se ausentará durante dos semanas.
The director will be away for two weeks.
¿Por qué te ausentaste sin avisar?
Why did you leave without notice?
Nos ausentamos del trabajo por motivos familiares.
We were absent from work due to family reasons.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'absent' in English with a reflexive twist - you're 'absenting yourself'
- The 'au' in 'ausentarse' sounds like 'out' - you're taking yourself out of a place
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish workplace or academic contexts, 'ausentarse' is often used formally to indicate an authorized absence. The concept of 'absentismo laboral' (workplace absenteeism) is an important administrative and legal concept in Spanish-speaking countries.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ausentarse' means to absent oneself or leave, 'presentarse' means the opposite: to present oneself or to show up.
Confused word:
Me presenté a la entrevista.
I showed up for the interview.
Notes: These verbs are direct opposites in meaning and usage.
Mnemonic: Think 'au-' as 'out' (leaving) vs. 'pre-' as 'in front' (showing up).
Explanation: 'Ausentarse' (to absent oneself) and 'sentarse' (to sit down) look similar but have completely different meanings. The prefix 'au-' in 'ausentarse' changes the meaning entirely.
Confused word:
Se sentó en la primera fila.
He sat in the first row.
Notes: Despite the similar appearance, these verbs come from different Latin roots.
Mnemonic: 'Ausentarse' has 'au' (out) + 'sentarse' - think of it as 'sitting yourself out' of a situation.