Been Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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been
[biːn ]
Definitions
past participle
Been is the past participle of the verb 'to be.' It indicates a state of existence or presence that has occurred at some time in the past. It is often used to form perfect tenses.
Synonyms
been present, existed, occurred.
Examples of usage
- I have been working here for five years.
- She has been to Paris twice.
- They had been waiting for over an hour.
passive voice
In passive constructions, 'been' is used to indicate that an action has been performed on the subject by an agent. It focuses on the action rather than the doer.
Synonyms
happened, occurred, taken place.
Examples of usage
- The book has been read by many people.
- The project has been completed ahead of schedule.
- The cake had been eaten before I arrived.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'been'
The word 'been' originates from the Old English 'beon', which has Germanic roots linked to the Proto-Germanic '*beuną', meaning 'to be'. The transition from Old English to Middle English saw 'beon' evolve into 'ben', demonstrating a phonetic shift common in the language's development. As English transitioned into its modern form, 'been' became established as the past participle of 'to be', a verb that is central to English grammar. Its usage in perfect tenses signifies actions or states that are connected to the present moment, highlighting the importance of this word in everyday communication. This evolution reflects broader shifts in pronunciation and usage that have significantly shaped the English language.