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  

/ -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

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Usage

See reason.

Etymology

Origin of because

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bi cause; by ( def. ), cause ( def. )

Example Sentences

When this price rises, it typically pushes up fuel prices too, because oil is a key component.

From BBC

Among parents who aren’t saving for college in a 529, 18% said it was because of concerns about higher education’s future, according to a Credit Karma survey from last year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Families have been upping their 529 contributions in part because of the additional uses, said Paul Curley, director of savings research at ISS Market Intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal

But metals businesses like it, along with fertilizer and chemical enterprises, are now competitive global players because Gulf governments invested in hard and soft infrastructure adjacent to the oil business.

From The Wall Street Journal

In many ways, the American economy is better insulated from the pinch in Persian Gulf exports than other parts of the world because the U.S. is less directly dependent on Mideast suppliers, notably in energy.

From The Wall Street Journal