Beings: meaning, definitions and examples

👽

Add to dictionary

beings

[ˈbiːɪŋz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

human existence

Beings refer to living creatures, especially humans. It signifies the state of existing or living. Beings can also refer to supernatural entities or creatures from other planets.

Synonyms

creatures, entities, individuals.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
beings	Often used in a general sense to refer to living creatures, typically highlighting their existence or nature. Can encompass both humans and other life forms. We must respect all living beings on this planet. Ancient myths talk about supernatural beings with extraordinary powers.
individuals	Typically refers to single human beings, often emphasizing their distinct identities and personal attributes. Used in both formal and informal contexts. Each individual has the right to freedom and equality. The survey was conducted among 500 individuals.
creatures	Commonly used to refer to animals or imaginary beings, often highlighting physical characteristics or behavior. It can sometimes have a slight negative or mysterious connotation when referring to non-human entities. The forest is home to many strange creatures. Scientists discovered a new deep-sea creature.
entities	Used in a more formal, abstract sense to refer to something that exists as a distinct and independent unit. This can apply to both living and non-living things, including organizations and concepts. The company merged with another entity last year. In philosophy, we discuss the nature of various entities in the universe.

Examples of usage

Human beings are the most intelligent species on Earth.
The beings from outer space have advanced technology.
She believed in the existence of spiritual beings.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophical

In philosophy, beings can refer to any entity that exists in reality, whether tangible or intangible. It is a fundamental concept in metaphysics.

Synonyms

entities, existents.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
beings	Best used when referring to living creatures or organisms, often in a more philosophical or abstract context. Human beings are highly intelligent and capable of expressing deep emotions The novel explores the relationships between different sentient beings
entities	Appropriate for referring to distinct and definable units, which can be either living or non-living, often in formal, technical, or scientific contexts. The company is a separate legal entity from its founders The study classified various celestial entities in the galaxy
existents	Generally used in philosophical discussions to refer to things that have existence, often in a more abstract or theoretical context. Philosophers debate the nature of existents and their properties The concept of existents includes all that has being in any form

Word

Description / Examples

beings

Best used when referring to living creatures or organisms, often in a more philosophical or abstract context.

Human beings are highly intelligent and capable of expressing deep emotions
The novel explores the relationships between different sentient beings

entities

Appropriate for referring to distinct and definable units, which can be either living or non-living, often in formal, technical, or scientific contexts.

The company is a separate legal entity from its founders
The study classified various celestial entities in the galaxy

existents

Generally used in philosophical discussions to refer to things that have existence, often in a more abstract or theoretical context.

Philosophers debate the nature of existents and their properties
The concept of existents includes all that has being in any form

Examples of usage

The philosopher contemplated the nature of beings.
Beings are classified into different categories in metaphysics.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'beings' comes from the Old English 'being', which means 'to be or exist'.
It connects closely with the verb 'to be', emphasizing existence in various forms.

Philosophy

In many philosophical discussions, 'beings' refers to entities that have existence, whether physical or abstract.
Philosophers debate the nature of beings, often classifying them into categories like 'ens' (being) and 'non-ens' (non-being).

Religion

Many religions conceptualize 'beings' as creatures created by a divine force, including humans, animals, and supernatural entities.
In some belief systems, spiritual beings, such as angels or spirits, are considered distinct from physical beings.

Cultural Interpretations

Different cultures may define beings based on their myths and folklore, where creatures like fairies and spirits play significant roles.
In folklore, beings like elves, gremlins, and other mythical creatures enrich stories and traditions.

Science

In biology, all living organisms can be classified as 'beings', encompassing a vast diversity from single-celled bacteria to complex mammals.
The study of different beings helps scientists understand ecosystems and the relationships among various life forms.

Translations

Translations of the word "beings" in other languages:

🇵🇹 seres

🇮🇳 जीव

🇩🇪 Wesen

🇮🇩 makhluk

🇺🇦 істоти

🇵🇱 istoty

🇯🇵 存在

🇫🇷 êtres

🇪🇸 seres

🇹🇷 varlıklar

🇰🇷 존재

🇸🇦 كائنات

🇨🇿 bytosti

🇸🇰 bytosti

🇨🇳 存在

🇸🇮 bitja

🇮🇸 verur

🇰🇿 тіршіліктер

🇬🇪 არსებები

🇦🇿 varlıqlar

🇲🇽 seres