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

Questions were also asked about the effectiveness of training sessions because of the poor performances.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

That’s because large enterprises depend on a range of products in IBM’s “layered” software portfolio — from its foundational operating systems to the data tools that run on top of it, he explained.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

If it seems insistent, it’s because Mr. Pence takes pride in the fact that those were, undeniably, conservative times in America.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

Not because the Dodgers reliever gave up three runs in the eighth inning to the Philadelphia Phillies, blowing a save opportunity and getting tagged with his first loss of the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

I nod, not because I agree with her, but because she expects me to.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam