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были. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
были, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
были in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
были you have here. The definition of the word
были will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
были, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Russian
Pronunciation
Etymology 1
Verb
бы́ли • (býli)
- plural past indicative imperfective of быть (bytʹ)
- Russian Synodal Bible, Mark 3.14:
И поставил из них двенадцать, чтобы с Ним были и чтобы посылать их на проповедь…- I postavil iz nix dvenadcatʹ, štoby s Nim byli i štoby posylatʹ ix na propovedʹ…
- He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.
Etymology 2
Noun
бы́ли • (býli) f inan or f inan pl
- inflection of быль (bylʹ):
- genitive/dative/prepositional singular
- nominative/accusative plural