Being

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈbiːɪŋ/
• US IPA: /ˈbiɪŋ/, IPA: /ˈbiːŋ/
• Rhymes: -iːɪŋ, -ɪŋ
• Hyphenation: be + ing

Origin

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

Verb

1. Present participle of be

Full definition of being

Noun

1. A living creature.
2. The state or fact of existence, consciousness, or life, or something in such a state.
• ShakespeareClaudius, thou
  Wast follower of his fortunes in his being.
3. (philosophy) That which has actuality (materially or in concept).
4. (philosophy) One's basic nature, or the qualities thereof; essence or personality.
5. (obsolete) An abode; a cottage.
• SteeleIt was a relief to dismiss them Roger's servants into little beings within my manor.

Derived terms

• beingdom
• beingful
• beinghood
• beingless
• beingness
• (noun) human being

Conjunction

1. (obsolete) Given that; since.
• 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, New York Review Books 2001, p. 280:’Tis a hard matter therefore to confine them, being they are so various and many ....

Derived terms

• being that

Anagrams

• begin
• binge