Dictionary
absentminded
adjective ab·sent·mind·ed \ˌab-sənt-ˈmīn-dəd\
: tending to forget things or to not notice things : having or showing a lack of attention
Full Definition of ABSENTMINDED
1
: lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions : preoccupied; also : given to absence of mind
2
: indicative of or resulting from preoccupation or absence of mind
— ab·sent·mind·ed·ly adverb
— ab·sent·mind·ed·ness noun
See absentminded defined for English-language learners
See absentminded defined for kids
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First Known Use of ABSENTMINDED
1829
Related to ABSENTMINDED
- Synonyms
- absent, abstracted, distracted, preoccupied
- Antonyms
- alert
Synonym Discussion of ABSENTMINDED
abstracted, preoccupied, absent, absentminded, distracted mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration. abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters <walking about with an abstracted air>. preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others <too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal>. absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters <an absent stare>. absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness <so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes>. distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety <was too distracted by grief to continue working>.
Rhymes with ABSENTMINDED
ABSENTMINDED Defined for Kids
absentminded
adjective ab·sent·mind·ed \ˌab-sənt-ˈmīn-dəd\
Definition of ABSENTMINDED for Kids
: tending to forget or not pay attention <Two absentminded students forgot their homework today.>
— ab·sent·mind·ed·ly adverb <He absentmindedly drove past his exit.>
— ab·sent·mind·ed·ness noun
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