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

Executive medical director Mark Henwood said encephalitis was a "rare and serious condition which is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to many other conditions".

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

I worry because the entire AI architecture is in flux.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

"I didn't have a lot of hope for them going in, because the two sides want completely opposite things," Laura Kaufman, a 38-year-old school teacher in Tel Aviv, told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

"With God coming - because he is God on Earth - I know that everything will be solved," said Ernestine Afanwi, a 45-year-old woman who fled Bamenda after her house and shop were destroyed.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

I feel bad for Mom though, because now she has to deal with the mess I made.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam