Question

What is the meaning of the absence of proof is not a proof of absence?

Answer 1

The above is a favorite (and sometimes annoying ;-) catch phrase often repeated by many, many, many people (apparently including BradAppleton, for whatever that may be worth). Simply put, it means that if we don't know that something exists, it doesn't mean that it doesn't; It only means we don't know one way or the other, we just haven't been made aware of it yet so it's not part of our knowledge.

Answer 2

Meaning,

The fact of something/somebody not being there(LACK)

Examples,

• In the absence of a doctor, try to help the injured person yourself.
• Frequent absences due to illness meant he was behind with his work.