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being

n. · v.
US //ˈbiɪŋ// UK //bˈiːɪŋ// be·ing
  1. 1 a living creature (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a living person or creature.

    a sentient or living entity, often used to refer to humans or hypothetical life forms.

    Example

    The film is about a strange being from another planet.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that every sentient being deserves a basic level of respect and protection under the law.
  2. 2 existence (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Philosophy

    the state of existing or being alive.

    the state or quality of having existence or objective reality.

    Example

    The ancient ruins have been in being for over two thousand years.

    Example

    The debate centered on whether mathematical truths have a real being independent of human thought.
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  1. 3 inner self (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    your deepest nature or personality.

    the essential nature or core character of a person.

    Example

    She felt a sense of peace in her whole being.

    Example

    The trauma seemed to affect his very being, altering his outlook on life in ways his friends could barely recognize.
  2. 4 present participle of be (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    the form of the verb 'to be' used for continuous actions.

    the present participle and gerund of the copula 'be', used in progressive aspects and as a verbal noun.

    Example

    You are being very helpful today.

    Example

    Despite being exhausted from the flight, the delegates insisted on attending the opening ceremony to show their support.

    Pitfall
    I 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'.

Origin

Originated 1250–1300 from Middle English being; see be + -ing.

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