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  

/ 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. (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

Lottie's parents, who live in Londonderry, said she regularly hurt herself because she had no awareness of danger.

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026

"I started to cry because I thought I would never get home and that there was nothing we could do."

From Barron's ● Sep. 6, 2026

She said she was summoned to a court hearing by police, but decided not to go because she feared officials wanted to use the meeting to extract a bribe.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

Glioblastoma is among the most lethal forms of cancer, and treatment options have changed relatively little because the tumors frequently withstand both radiation and chemotherapy.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 6, 2026

“Earl, didn’t she try to learn French just because of that song?”

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold