because

[ bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz ]
See synonyms for because on Thesaurus.com
conjunction
  1. for the reason that; due to the fact that: The boy was absent because he was ill.

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 about because

  1. because of, by reason of; due to: Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.

Origin of because

1
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bi cause; see by, cause

usage note For because

1. See reason.

Words Nearby because

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use because in a sentence

  • because he's joined the colors—he's not dead!because he's found his duty—he's not lost!

    With the Colors | Everard Jack Appleton
  • I will drive you over-because it is rather a lonesome walk for you.

    The Copy-Cat and Other Stories | Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
  • He was silent; and presently she said: "I—the reason of it—my crying—is b-b-because I don't wish you to be unhappy."

    The Younger Set | Robert W. Chambers
  • Can you picture a room where the portires are all of different lengths?because the decorator had no sense of line value?

    Polly in New York | Lillian Elizabeth Roy
  • At length she stammered: "I did not come b-because I simply couldn't stand it!"

    The Fighting Chance | Robert W. Chambers

British Dictionary definitions for because

because

/ (bɪˈkɒz, -ˈkəz) /


conjunction
  1. (subordinating) on account of the fact that; on account of being; since: because it's so cold we'll go home

  2. because of (preposition) on account of: I lost my job because of her

Origin of because

1
C14 bi cause, from bi by + cause

because

See reason

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012