because
[ bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz ]
/ bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /
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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!
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.
Question 1 of 7
“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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Idioms for because
because of, by reason of; due to: Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.
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. 2021
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.
Example sentences from the Web for because
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
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