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Dictionary definition of truant

A student who is absent from school without permission or a valid excuse.
"The truant was caught and taken back to school by the police."

Detailed meaning of truant

Truancy can be a persistent issue for schools and can lead to academic and social problems for the student. When a student is labeled as a truant, it suggests a pattern of absenteeism and may indicate underlying issues such as academic struggles, family problems, or mental health issues. Schools often have policies and programs in place to address truancy, such as counseling services, parental involvement, or legal interventions in more severe cases. The word "truant" can also be used as an adjective to describe a person or behavior that is absent or missing without a valid reason, such as a truant employee or truant behavior. It is typically used in a formal or educational context and implies a sense of responsibility and accountability towards attendance and punctuality.

Example sentences of truant

1. The boy was labeled a truant after skipping school for three days straight.
2. As a former truant, she knew the importance of regular school attendance.
3. After several instances of being a truant, he faced expulsion.
4. Despite being a truant, he surprisingly excelled in his studies.
5. The school board initiated a program to help truant students reintegrate.
6. He often romanticized his days as a youthful truant.

History and etymology of truant

The noun 'truant' has its origins in the Middle English word 'truaunt,' which was borrowed from the Old French word 'truand' or 'truandant.' In Old French, 'truand' referred to a rogue or vagabond, someone who led a wandering or idle life. This term was influenced by the Latin word 'torquere,' meaning 'to twist' or 'to turn,' which gave rise to the sense of someone who had twisted away or deviated from the expected path, such as attending school regularly. Over time, 'truant' came to signify a student who is absent from school without permission or a valid excuse, reflecting the notion of deviation from the expected attendance, much like the wandering lifestyle associated with the term's historical roots.

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Further usage examples of truant

1. The truant officer knocked at our door looking for my older brother.
2. In the realm of nature, the seasons never play truant.
3. Truant students are more likely to drop out early from school.
4. The school counselor helped the truant teenager return to regular classes.
5. Truant behavior can be a sign of underlying issues at home.
6. Her truant ways were a source of constant worry for her parents.
7. Due to her truant tendencies, she had to repeat a grade.
8. The school had a strict policy against truant behavior.
9. My neighbor, an old man now, fondly remembers his truant escapades from school.
10. He played truant to attend the concert, but regretted it during the make-up test.
11. The truant's absence was noted by the diligent homeroom teacher.
12. I'm worried about Sarah's truant habits; she's missed too much school.
13. As a former truant, he uses his past to guide troubled youth.
14. The school's truant rate dropped dramatically after implementing the new mentorship program.
15. The school is implementing stricter policies to reduce truancy among students.
16. Being a truant can lead to poor academic performance and affect future opportunities.
17. The teacher was concerned about the truant student who hadn't shown up for a week.
18. The school counselor talked with the truant to try to understand why they were skipping school.
19. The principal called the parents of the truant to discuss the situation.
20. The truant student missed important lessons and fell behind in their studies.
21. Truancy is a common issue in many schools that requires attention and intervention.
22. The school is organizing programs to engage truants and keep them in school.
23. The truant's behavior could be a sign of underlying problems that need to be addressed.
24. Truancy can have legal consequences for both the student and the parent.
25. The school offered support and resources to the truant to help them get back on track.