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 species was "already having a rough time of it" because of climate change, the chair of the Shropshire Mammal group Stuart Edmunds said.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

“I grew up in this town. I am here because I have to be here from a divorce, but as soon as they’re 18, I’ll be able to leave,” she said at the time.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Although the findings do not prove string theory experimentally, Cheung says the results are striking because many different mathematical outcomes could have been possible.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

Sally Field, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” “You feel sorry for Oscar Isaac’s character in ‘Beef’ because he’s so clearly outmatched by his partner, played by Carey Mulligan.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

I know this because Rhys and I had talked about it when the rumors first started.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam