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

I grew to love places like that, places where I could get affirmation for just speaking Mandarin without an accent, where I was still allowed back simply because I didn’t draw attention to myself.

From Los Angeles Times

Thinking back, it was precisely because she was too busy working to focus on me that I was given the freedom to pursue my own fantasies of becoming a writer.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s true that traditional opinion polls have lost some accuracy, in part because the advent of mobile phones has made it hard for them to reach respondents by phone at home.

From Los Angeles Times

“Because of this,” he concluded, “the U.S. homeland is arguably more vulnerable than it has been in a long time.”

From Los Angeles Times

“As a result, for Warner Bros. to make money, ‘Sinners’ will need to attract substantial crowds in the weeks ahead,” read the story, which included an assessment by film consultant David A. Gross: “It’s an excellent opening for a period horror film, except that it’s hard to call it completely successful because of its enormous budget.”

From Los Angeles Times