being
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a living person or creature.
n.a sentient or living entity, often used to refer to humans or hypothetical life forms.
Simple“The film is about a strange being from another planet.”
In context“The philosopher argued that every sentient being deserves a basic level of respect and protection under the law.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the state of existing or being alive.
n.the state or quality of having existence or objective reality.
Simple“The ancient ruins have been in being for over two thousand years.”
In context“The debate centered on whether mathematical truths have a real being independent of human thought.”
Antonymsnothingnessnonexistence - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.your deepest nature or personality.
n.the essential nature or core character of a person.
Simple“She felt a sense of peace in her whole being.”
In context“The trauma seemed to affect his very being, altering his outlook on life in ways his friends could barely recognize.”
- 04 A2 Elementary
v.the form of the verb 'to be' used for continuous actions.
v.the present participle and gerund of the copula 'be', used in progressive aspects and as a verbal noun.
Simple“You are being very helpful today.”
In context“Despite being exhausted from the flight, the delegates insisted on attending the opening ceremony to show their support.”
PitfallI am being go to the store. I am going to the store.Do not use 'being' as a general helper for all verbs; it is specifically the -ing form of 'to be'.
Usage human being
Originated 1250–1300 from Middle English being; see be + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.