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absent-mindedhaving or showing a habitually forgetful or inattentive disposition

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: having or showing a habitually forgetful or inattentive disposition

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈæbsənt ˈmaɪndɪd/

Example Sentences

  • My absent-minded grandfather once tried to unlock his car with the TV remote.
  • The absent-minded scientist left his lunch in the freezer and his ice cream samples on the desk.
  • Being absent-minded during important meetings can hurt your professional reputation.

absent-minded

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈæbsənt ˈmaɪndɪd/]

having or showing a habitually forgetful or inattentive disposition

The absent-minded professor pours coffee into his hat instead of the mug.
💡 Concept

The absent-minded professor pours coffee into his hat instead of the mug.

Though absent-minded, when reminded, he never minded!
🎵 Rhyme

Though absent-minded, when reminded, he never minded!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈæbsənt ˈmaɪndɪd/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈæbsənt ˈmaɪndɪd/

🌳Etymology

Rootabsent
Suffix-minded

Origin

A compound English term combining 'absent' (from Latin absens, meaning 'not present') and 'minded' (from Old English gemynd, meaning 'memory' or 'attention'). The phrase emerged to describe a person whose mind or attention is not fully present in the current moment or situation.

Breakdown

absent (not present, from Latin abs- 'away' + esse 'to be') + minded (having or directing one's mind, from mind + -ed suffix forming adjectives). Together describing someone mentally preoccupied or inattentive to immediate surroundings.

🎵Rhyme

remindedmindedblinded
reminded
minded
blinded

🔗Collocations

absent-minded professor
become absent-minded
absent-minded behavior
absent-minded mistake
appear absent-minded
absent-minded moment

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My absent-minded grandfather once tried to unlock his car with the TV remote.

😄 Fun example

The absent-minded scientist left his lunch in the freezer and his ice cream samples on the desk.

Being absent-minded during important meetings can hurt your professional reputation.

She's been quite absent-minded lately due to stress from work.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

forgetfuldistractedinattentivescatterbrainedpreoccupied

Antonyms

alertattentivefocused

Related

absenteeismdistractionconcentrationmindful

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