"In absentia" is a Latin term meaning "in the absence." It is often used in legal contexts to describe situations where a person is not present during a trial or legal proceeding. For example, a defendant may be tried in absentia if they fail to appear in court, allowing the case to proceed without them. This term can also apply in academic settings, such as when a student receives a degree or honors without attending the ceremony. In both cases, the individual is acknowledged or judged despite their physical absence, ensuring that decisions or recognitions can still take place.