be
verb
1. have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
Definition categories: stative
2. be identical to; be someone or something
Definition categories: stative
3. occupy a certain position or area; be somewhere
- What is behind this behavior?
Definition categories: stative
4. have an existence, be extant
Similar word(s): exist
Definition categories: stative
5. happen, occur, take place
Definition categories: stative
6. be identical or equivalent to
Similar word(s): equal
Definition categories: stative
7. form or compose
- These constitute my entire belonging
Similar word(s): comprise, constitute, represent
Definition categories: stative
8. work in a specific place, with a specific subject, or in a specific function
Similar word(s): follow
Definition categories: social
9. represent, as of a character on stage
Similar word(s): embody, personify
Definition categories: stative, represent, symbolise, symbolize, typify
10. spend or use time
- I may be an hour
Definition categories: possession, occupy, take
11. have life, be alive
Similar word(s): live
Definition categories: stative
12. to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted -- used only in infinitive form
- let her be
Definition categories: stative, remain, rest, stay
13. be priced at
Similar word(s): cost
Definition categories: stative, be
Sentences with be as a verb:
- When will the meeting be?
- The postman has been today, but my tickets have still not yet come.
- I have been to Spain many times.
- I shall be writing to you soon.
- It has been three years since my grandmother died. (similar to My grandmother died three years ago, but emphasizes the intervening period)It had been six days since his departure, when I received a letter from him.