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

That could be a warning for stocks, but it also may not matter because investors have become accustomed to this type of environment, analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

“While the market is noisy with startups, Salesforce is winning deals because CIOs and CTOs prefer a unified platform that integrates agents, actions, data, and workflows,” they added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

“Making that move on the straightaway was big because I knew it was one of our only chances to get a pass on Pato,” Palou said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

That is probably because City are usually playing twice a week, every week, so he has to chop and change.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Back then, it’d been because of losing her grandfather.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith