truant - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
truant Word Meanings
- a student who stays away from school without permission
- someone who is absent from their duty or responsibility
- a person who avoids obligations
truant Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
truant Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtruːənt/
US
/ˈtruənt/
truant Word Etymology
truant = 'tromper' (to deceive) + 'du' (of/from) in Old French, came into English in the 14th century. Imagine a student sneaking out of class, lured by the excitement outside, leaving their responsibilities behind.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Truant is a noun for a person, especially a student, who stays away from school without permission; it can also describe someone who shirks duties. As an adjective, truant describes a person or behavior that is absent from responsibilities. In everyday use, teachers may talk about truants to discuss attendance problems, while the behavior of truants suggests repeated or deliberate absence rather than a single illness. The term carries a judgment about responsibility and seriousness, and it is more common in schools or formal contexts than in casual speech. In legal or school policy discussions, truancy laws track missing classes and may involve parents or guardians; in broader life, a truant is someone who avoids duties or commitments.
Usage Reminders
- - Truant usually implies intentional absence, not a mere illness.
- - Check whether the context is a noun or adjective to avoid confusion.
- - Use caution in informal speech; it's somewhat old-fashioned.
- - Don't confuse with absent which is broader.
- - In school policy, truancy can trigger a report or consequences.
Common Misconceptions
- Believing truancy only means being late once.
- Thinking truant is the same as absent due to illness.
- Assuming all absences are truancy.
- Confusing truancy with general laziness, not situational behavior.
- Assuming adults cannot be truants.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate absence from identity; learners may overdefine truancy as laziness or misinterpret missing one day as truancy.
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations (truant behavior, truancy laws).
- Compare with words like absent, away, and skip.
- Notice tone: often negative in schools, not neutral.
- Watch for both noun and adjective uses in sentences.
- Practice from news articles about school policy.
- Use a diary entry to describe a hypothetical truancy scenario.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'truant' mean?
A.A person who stays away from school without leave or explanation
B.A student who attends school regularly
C.Someone who is very punctual
D.A teacher who teaches from a distance
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'truant' correctly?
A.After mom called me a truant, I decided to stop skipping school.
B.The truant student was very diligent in his studies.
C.The truant teacher gave us extra homework for the weekend.
D.She wanted to be a truant person who travels everywhere.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'truant'?
A.Student
B.Absentee
C.Teacher
D.Classroom
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'truant'?
A.Presence
B.Withdrawal
C.Attendance
D.Neglect
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might be considered truant?
A.A student was consistently absent from class without permission.
B.A group of friends planned a study session together after school.
C.The school held a festival celebrating student achievements.
D.Parents were proud of their child's perfect attendance record.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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