being | Search Online Etymology Dictionary

being (n.)

c. 1300, "existence," in its most comprehensive sense, "condition, state, circumstances; presence, fact of existing," early 14c., existence," from be + -ing. Sense of "that which physically exists, a person or thing" (as in human being) is from late 14c.

well-being (n.)

1610s, from well (adv.) + gerundive of be.

beingness (n.)

1660s, from being + -ness.

negligible (adj.)

"capable of being neglected, admitting of being disregarded," 1819, from negligence + -ible. Related: Negligibly; negligibility.

justifiability (n.)

"quality of being justifiable; possibility of being defended or excused," 1835, from justifiable + -ity. Justifiableness is from 1630s.

onto-

word-forming element meaning "a being, individual; being, existence," from stem of Greek on (genitive ontos) "being," neuter present participle of einai "to be" (from PIE root *es- "to be").

loneliness (n.)

1580s, "condition of being solitary," from lonely + -ness. Meaning "feeling of being dejected from want of companionship or sympathy" is from 1814.

potentiality (n.)

"state of being potential, mere being without actualization," 1620s, from potential + -ity, or else from Medieval Latin potentialitas, from potentialis.

rabidity (n.)

1822, "state of being infected with rabies;" 1825, "state of being furious or violently raving;" see rabid + -ity.

fitness (n.)

1570s, "state or quality of being suitable," from fit (adj.) + -ness. Meaning "state of being physically fit" is from 1935.

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