be

verb (DESCRIPTION)

strong /biː/ weak /bi/ /bɪ/ (being, was, were, been)

Definition

A1 [L] used to say something about a person, thing, or state, to show a permanent or temporary quality, state, job, etc.: He is rich. It's cold today. I'm Andy. That's all for now. What do you want to be (= what job do you want to do) when you grow up? These books are (= cost) £3 each. Being afraid of the dark, she always slept with the light on. Never having been ill himself, he wasn't a sympathetic listener. Be quiet! Do be quiet! [+ -ing verb] The problem is deciding what to do. [+ to infinitive] The hardest part will be to find a replacement. [+ that] The general feeling is that she should be asked to leave. It's not that I don't like her - it's just that we rarely agree on anything!Existing and being A1 [I usually + adv/prep] used to show the position of a person or thing in space or time: The food was already on the table. Is anyone there? The meeting is now (= will happen) next Tuesday. There's a hair in my soup.Existing and being › [L] used to show what something is made of: Is this plate pure gold?Comprising and consisting ofIncluding and containing

(Definition of be verb (DESCRIPTION) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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