That which is capable of existence; its synonyms are thing, something. There are two uses of the term: the participial use (see existence), and the substantival, the definition of which is the one here given. The term being in the substantival sense is applicable to anything that either actually exists or can exist, for being is either actual, i.e.,existent, or merely possible. It is contrasted with absolute nothingness, such as the impossible, e.g., a square circle, rather than with the merely non-existent. This term stands for the simplest of all our concepts, viz., the mere capacity for existence, and is the widest in application since it represents substances, accidents, modes of existence, God, and creature. Briefly whatever is not absolutely nothing is something or being.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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