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Today it means

in absentia

while a person is not present, especially referring to a trial or degree conferred

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Where does the word "in absentia" come from? It comes from Latin in absentia, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

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Where does the word "in absentia" come from? It comes from Latin in absentia, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

In absentia’s story begins in Latin: in absentia meant “in absence.” Literally in absence, while a person is not present. It reached English by 1800s as in absentia. Latin 'in absence', used for trials and degrees awarded without the person present. Today, in absentia means while a person is not present, especially referring to a trial or degree conferred.

  1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient in absentia "in absence", literally in absence, while a person is not present.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s in absentia "while a person is not present", Latin 'in absence', used for trials and degrees awarded without the person present.

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