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because

[ bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz ]
/ bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /
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See synonyms for because on Thesaurus.com
conjunction
for the reason that; due to the fact that: The boy was absent because he was ill.
preposition
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!
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Idioms about because

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

Origin of because

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

usage note for because

1. See reason.

Words nearby because

becalm, becalmed, became, becard, caught with one's pants down, be, because, beccafico, Beccaria, béchamel, béchamel sauce, bechance
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say because?

The conjunction because means “for the reason that” or “due to the fact that.” Do you know when to use because, as, since, for, and inasmuch as? Learn more on Thesaurus.com. 

Words related to because

as, as long as, being, by reason of, by virtue of, considering, due to, for, for the sake of, in behalf of, in that, in the interest of, in view of, now that, over, owing to, seeing, since, thanks to, through

How to use because in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for because

because
/ (bɪˈkɒz, -ˈkəz) /
conjunction
(subordinating) on account of the fact that; on account of being; sincebecause it's so cold we'll go home
because of (preposition) on account ofI lost my job because of her

Word Origin for because

C14 bi cause, from bi by + cause

undefined 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
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