become

[bih-kuhm]

verb (used without object)

became, become, becoming. 

1. to come, change, or grow to be (as specified).

   He became tired.

2. to come into being.

verb (used with object)

became, become, becoming. 

1. to be attractive on; befit in appearance; look well on.

   That gown becomes you.

2. to be suitable or necessary to the dignity, situation, or responsibility of.

   conduct that becomes an officer.

become

/ bɪˈkʌm /

verb

1. (copula) to come to be; develop or grow into

   he became a monster

2. (foll by of; usually used in a question) to fall to or be the lot (of); happen (to)

   what became of him?

3. (tr) (of clothes, etc) to enhance the appearance of (someone); suit

   that dress becomes you

4. (tr) to be appropriate; befit

   it ill becomes you to complain

Word History and Origins

Origin of become¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English becumen, Old English becuman “to come about, happen”; cognate with Dutch bekomen, German bekommen, Gothic biqiman. See be-, come

Word History and Origins

Origin of become¹

Old English becuman to happen; related to Old High German biqueman to come to, Gothic biquiman to appear suddenly

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. become of, to happen to; be the fate of.

   What will become of him?

More idioms and phrases containing become

• get

Example Sentences

The social themes become more prominent in the second half, and we learn or are reminded just how toxic the military was to gay people, and how backward was its attitude.

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Having two legs of different lengths might be expected to cause an issue for someone training to become a professional footballer.

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There is a strong argument to say they would also prevail on ice and sand, but there is no doubt court speeds have become much more uniform over the past 20 years.

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Catherine says smartphones and gadgets have become a "constant distraction, fragmenting our focus" and undermining the time that families spend together.

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In Tel Aviv, people gathered in Hostages Square, which has become a symbol of the ordeal of the captives.

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Related Words

• come 
• develop into www.thesaurus.com
• grow into 
• turn into www.thesaurus.com