adjective
Uncommon
bein
been
Bein (adjective) means a dialect word (mainly Scots) meaning comfortable, well-off, or cosy. Example: “They lived in a bein little cottage by the loch.”
adjective
1
A dialect word (mainly Scots) meaning comfortable, well-off, or cosy.
"They lived in a bein little cottage by the loch."
How to use bein
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishComfortable and well-off — an old Scots dialect word, rarely used outside that context.
When to use it
Dialectal/archaic; found mainly in Scots English.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- beins
- Past tense
- beined
- Comparative
- more bein
- Superlative
- most bein
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They lived in a _____ little cottage by the loch.
Etymology
From Middle English been/bene ("pleasant, generous"), possibly linked to Old Norse beinn ("straight, favourable").
Rhymes for bein
See all rhymes for bein →Frequently asked questions
What does “bein” mean?
The word “bein” means a dialect word (mainly Scots) meaning comfortable, well-off, or cosy. In plain terms, comfortable and well-off — an old Scots dialect word, rarely used outside that context.
How do you pronounce “bein”?
“Bein” is pronounced been (/biːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “bein” in a sentence?
Here is “bein” used in a sentence: “They lived in a bein little cottage by the loch.”
What part of speech is “bein”?
“Bein” is an adjective.
Where does the word “bein” come from?
The word “bein” comes from Middle English. From Middle English been/bene ("pleasant, generous"), possibly linked to Old Norse beinn ("straight, favourable").
Is “bein” a common word?
“Bein” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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