be (A1)
verb
Pronunciation: /biː/
Definition
To exist or live; to have a particular quality or identity.
Examples
She is a doctor.
There is a cat on the roof.
To be or not to be, that is the question.
How to Use be
- be about to (idiom)
- To be very close to doing something. — "The train is about to leave the station."
- be for (prepositional phrase)
- To be intended for someone or something; to be the purpose of something. — "This gift is for you. What is this tool for?"
- be in (prepositional phrase)
- To be located in a place or state. — "She is in the hospital. He is in trouble."
- be of (prepositional phrase)
- To have a particular quality or characteristic (often formal). — "The house is of great historical importance."
- be on (prepositional phrase)
- To be happening or taking place; to be broadcast. — "The show is on tonight. What is going on?"
- be with (prepositional phrase)
- To accompany someone; to be in a relationship with someone. — "Are you with me on this? He is with his parents this week."
Synonyms of be
Words with a similar meaning to be:
Antonyms of be
Words with the opposite meaning to be:
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