because

American  

[bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz] / bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /

conjunction

1. for the reason that; due to the fact that.

   The boy was absent because he was ill.

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preposition

1. Informal. (used directly before a noun, adjective, verb, interjection, etc., to convey a very concise rationale, excuse, or explanation).

   We’re a little like monkeys because evolution.

   He doesn’t practice enough: because lazy.

   I love doughnuts because yum!

idioms

1. because of, by reason of; due to.

   Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.

because British  

/ -ˈkəz, bɪˈkɒz /

conjunction

1. (subordinating) on account of the fact that; on account of being; since

   because it's so cold we'll go home

2. (preposition) on account of

   I lost my job because of her

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Usage

See reason.

Etymology

Origin of because

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bi cause; see by ( def. ), cause ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

because

She thinks iPods have become popular again because of their "beautiful design" and the way the music player is "the first bit of technology really catering to humans with a less cluttered user interface".

From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026

“We give companies and countries freedom, because our system is immune to sanctions.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 2026

He says the modern digital world often leaves us inflicted by decision paralysis, external - the inability to choose because there are so many options.

From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026

It’s definitely not because I’m any good at math.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 2026

She can’t really hear God’s voice booming through the trees, but she pretends she does, because she’s imagining that she is Joan of Arc.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly