being

Pronunciation: /ˈbi.ɪŋ/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the state or fact of existing
  2. noun a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently
  3. verb have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)

Etymology

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

In classic literature

Synonyms

beingness, existence

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
state
Narrower (hyponyms)
presence, life, coexistence, preexistence, subsistence, eternity
Opposite (antonyms)
nonbeing, nonexistence

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