being

[ bee-ing ]

noun

1. the fact of existing; existence (as opposed to nonexistence).
2. conscious, mortal existence; life:

   Our being is as an instantaneous flash of light in the midst of eternal night.

3. substance or nature:

   of such a being as to arouse fear.

4. something that exists:

   inanimate beings.

5. a living thing:

   strange, exotic beings that live in the depths of the sea.

6. a human being; person:

   the most beautiful being you could imagine.

7. (initial capital letter) God.
8. Philosophy.
   1. that which has actuality either materially or in idea.
   2. absolute existence in a complete or perfect state, lacking no essential characteristic; essence.

conjunction

1. Nonstandard. since; because; considering that (often followed by as, as how, or that ):

   Being it's midnight, let's go home.

   Being as how you cooked supper, I'll do the dishes.

being

/ ˈbiːɪŋ /

noun

1. the state or fact of existing; existence
2. essential nature; self

   she put her whole being into the part

3. something that exists or is thought to exist, esp something that cannot be assigned to any category

   a being from outer space

4. a person; human being
5. (in the philosophy of Aristotle) actuality Compare becoming

Other Words From

• non·being noun adjective
• super·being noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of being¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; be + -ing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see for the moment (time being) ; other things being equal .

Example Sentences

Despite being considered safe by the EPA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies glyphosate as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," and emerging research, including this study, points to its potential role in worsening neurodegenerative diseases by contributing to pathologies, like those seen in Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily

"I congratulate the team for their astounding discovery about the lifeways of Clovis-era Native people and thank them for being tribally inclusive and respectful throughout their research," he said.

From Science Daily

Fresh from being nominated for half a dozen Grammy Awards, the 25-year-old pop star brought her tour behind this year’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’ to Los Angeles on Friday night.

From Los Angeles Times

The state does not require the California Medical Board to track whether that program is being used as intended, a spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Lines in the spectrum regularly shifted back and forth, suggesting the star was being tugged by an orbiting companion, Doppler shifting the light.

From Science Magazine