BE - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Meaning 1

Part of speech: Verb

have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)

Example: John is rich; This is not a good answer

Meaning 2

Part of speech: Verb

be identical to; be someone or something

Example: The president of the company is John Smith; This is my house

Meaning 3

Part of speech: Verb

occupy a certain position or area; be somewhere

Example: Where is my umbrella?" "The toolshed is in the back; What is behind this behavior?

Meaning 4

Part of speech: Verb

happen, occur, take place; this was during the visit to my parents' house"

Example: I lost my wallet; There were two hundred people at his funeral; There was a lot of noise in the kitchen

Meaning 5

Part of speech: Verb

work in a specific place, with a specific subject, or in a specific function

Example: He is a herpetologist; She is our resident philosopher

Meaning 6

Part of speech: Verb

spend or use time

Example: I may be an hour

Categories: Take, Occupy, Use up

Meaning 7

Part of speech: Verb

have life, be alive

Example: Our great leader is no more; My grandfather lived until the end of war

Meaning 8

Part of speech: Verb

to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted -- used only in infinitive form

Example: let her be

Categories: Stay, Remain, Rest