B2noun1K

Being

UK /["/ˈbiːɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈbiːɪŋ/"]/

Definition

existence

In simple words: the state of existing or living

Examples

  • The Irish Free State **came into being** in 1922.
  • A new era was **brought into being** by the war.
  • **human beings**
  • a strange being from another planet
  • No **living being** deserves to be treated this way.
  • I work on the assumption that people are rational beings.
  • Dolphins are highly intelligent beings.
  • They claim to have proof that alien beings have landed on Earth.
  • I hated him with my whole being.

Usage notes

Use 'being' to talk about existence, conditions, or roles. It's neutral and works in almost any context. Avoid in formal writing where more specific terms can be used.

Grammar pattern

being + noun (e.g., being happy)

Memory hint

Think of 'being' as 'being alive' — a reminder of existence.

Collocations

  • be brought into
  • come into
  • human
  • living
  • intelligent

Synonyms

  • existence
  • presence
  • life
  • state of being

Antonyms

  • nonexistence
  • void

Common mistakes

  • 'Being' is often confused with 'been' in the past tense.
  • Learners may forget to use 'being' in gerund forms, e.g., 'Being happy is important.'
  • Misusing 'being' as a subject instead of using a noun or pronoun properly.