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; see by ( def. ), cause ( def. )

Example Sentences

The findings were published in The Lancet and drew attention because the drug attacks a biological pathway directly involved in liver fat buildup.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

So I started researching a specific prison, the Virginia State Penitentiary, because their archives had just opened.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Khorsandi said his humour had been "so kind" because he was doing what he could to stop the family worrying.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

That real time control is central to the approach, because the treatment depends on staying within a safe and useful range.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

I want to go in and see him because I need to, even though I don’t want to.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam