“Bean” or “Been”

Overview

bean / been are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

bean: (noun) any of various edible seeds of plants of the family Leguminosae used for food. (noun) any of various seeds or fruits that are beans or resemble beans. (noun) any of various leguminous plants grown for their edible seeds and pods. (verb) hit on the head, especially with a pitched baseball.

been: (verb) have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun). (verb) be identical to; be someone or something. (verb) occupy a certain position or area; be somewhere. (verb) happen, occur, take place. (verb) work in a specific place, with a specific subject, or in a specific function. (verb) spend or use time. (verb) have life, be alive. (verb) to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted -- used only in infinitive form.

Pronunciation

bean: b·IY·n

been: b·IH·n

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