being Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state or fact of existing
    beingness; existence.
    • a point of view gradually coming into being
    • laws in existence for centuries
  2. noun a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently
    organism.
  3. verb have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
    be.
    • John is rich
    • This is not a good answer
  4. verb be identical to; be someone or something
    be.
    • The president of the company is John Smith
    • This is my house
  5. verb occupy a certain position or area; be somewhere
    be.
    • Where is my umbrella?" "The toolshed is in the back
    • What is behind this behavior?
  6. verb have an existence, be extant
    be; exist.
    • Is there a God?
  7. verb happen, occur, take place; this was during the visit to my parents' house"
    be.
    • I lost my wallet
    • There were two hundred people at his funeral
    • There was a lot of noise in the kitchen
  8. verb be identical or equivalent to
    be; equal.
    • One dollar equals 1,000 rubles these days!
  9. verb form or compose
    constitute; represent; be; comprise; make up.
    • This money is my only income
    • The stone wall was the backdrop for the performance
    • These constitute my entire belonging
    • The children made up the chorus
    • This sum represents my entire income for a year
    • These few men comprise his entire army
  10. verb work in a specific place, with a specific subject, or in a specific function
    be; follow.
    • He is a herpetologist
    • She is our resident philosopher
  11. verb represent, as of a character on stage
    embody; be; personify.
    • Derek Jacobi was Hamlet
  12. verb spend or use time
    be.
    • I may be an hour
  13. verb have life, be alive
    be; live.
    • Our great leader is no more
    • My grandfather lived until the end of war
  14. verb to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted -- used only in infinitive form
    be.
    • let her be
  15. verb be priced at
    be; cost.
    • These shoes cost $100

WordNet

Be"ing p. pr. from Be
Definitions
  1. Existing. ✍ Being was formerly used where we now use having. "Being to go to a ball in a few days." Miss Edgeworth. ✍ In modern usage, is, are, was or were being, with a past participle following (as built, made, etc.) indicates the process toward the completed result expressed by the participle. The form is or was building, in this passive signification, is idiomatic, and, if free from ambiguity, is commonly preferable to the modern is or was being built. The last form of speech is, however, sufficiently authorized by approved writers. The older expression was is, or was, a-building or in building.
    A man who is being strangled. Lamb.
    While the article on Burns was being written. Froude.
    Fresh experience is always being gained. Jowett (Thucyd. )
Be"ing noun
Definitions
  1. Existence, as opposed to nonexistence; state or sphere of existence.
    In Him we live, and move, and have our being. Acts xvii. 28.
  2. That which exists in any form, whether it be material or spiritual, actual or ideal; living existence, as distinguished from a thing without life; as, a human being; spiritual beings.
    What a sweet being is an honest mind ! Beau. & Fl.
    A Being of infinite benevolence and power. Wordsworth.
  3. Lifetime; mortal existence. Obs.
    Claudius, thou Wast follower of his fortunes in his being. Webster (1654).
  4. An abode; a cottage. Prov. Eng. Wright.
    It was a relief to dismiss them [Sir Roger's servants] into little beings within my manor. Steele.
Be"ing adverb
Definitions
  1. Since; inasmuch as. Obs. or Colloq.
    And being you have Declined his means, you have increased his malice. Beau. & Fl.

Webster 1913