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be

  1. verb be [biː] (reduced [bɪ]); (beest(1), am, art(2), is, was, wast(3), wert(4), were; participle I and gerund: being; participle II: been)(5).
      • I think, therefore I am.
      • There is no doubt about it.
      • Where are my books?
      • Are you often in town?
      • I have never been to the Caucasus.
      • Admission exams are once a year in autumn.
      • 2 and 2 is 4.
      • 2 times 5 is 10.
      • He is a teacher.
      • I am not happy with your behavior.
    1. as an auxiliary verb serves(7):
      1. for the formation of the continuous aspect:
        • I am reading.
      2. for the formation of the passive voice:
        • Such questions are settled by the committee.
      • I am to inform you.
      • He is to be there now.
    2. as a part of complex words: future:
      • mum-to-be (future mom)

Derived words

Phraseologisms and stable combinations

Etymology

From Old English 'beon', 'beom', 'bion'. The form 'am' from Old English 'eom' (remain)

See also
Notes
1), 2), 3), 4) Obsolete and dialectal use, see 'Thou'.

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