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

The tort claim alleges the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and state officials share responsibility because they “negligently hired, supervised and retained” Renteria.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

While Chinese suppliers used to be avoided because of concern about quality and performance, that is no longer the case, Simon said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

“If I make a gift as a QCD, and the charity gives me tickets to the Super Bowl, I can’t take the QCD at all because I got a benefit,” Doyle says.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

That’s because most cases of hantavirus, including Andes virus, are acquired directly from rodents or their excrement and not from other humans.

From Salon • May 9, 2026

I want to tell him he doesn’t have to wait, but I don’t because it’s a lie, and I’m getting tired of convincing myself to believe lies I don’t believe.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam