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.

---

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

---

Usage

See reason.

Etymology

Origin of because

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

Example Sentences

Because Osaka was playing on an outside court, the former world number one had to be escorted through the crowds to her match.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

Because California basically invented AI slop!” said Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO, in a post on X.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

Because the Dow is a price-weighted index—meaning stock price rather than market capitalization determine the weighting of each company—few funds choose to replicate its composition.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

Because when investors stop bracing for hikes that never arrive, that fear gets priced out of the market.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026

“Not because I was trying to be coy or unavailable. Because I was a mess. Am a mess.”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse