English vocabulary · C1
Truant
/ˈtruːənt/ · n., adj.
A truant is a student who stays away from school without being allowed to do so. The student misses class when others are there.
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Example sentences
- The teacher found the truant at the park.
- The truant returned to class after lunch.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- truant — beggar (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- ABSENT — not at the expected place (Not In Class)
- SKIPPING — stays away on purpose (Choosing To Miss Class)
- SHIRKING — does not do what is required (Avoiding A Duty)
Similar words
- absent
- skipping
- shirking
Lesson notes
A truant is a student who stays away from school without being allowed to do so. The student misses class when others are there.
Related: absent, skipping, shirking. Use truant when a student stays away from school without permission.
The teacher found the truant at the park. The truant returned to class after lunch.
From Old French. Truant meant beggar. English kept truant but changed its meaning to a student who stays away from school without permission.