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

See Examples For:

because

Enrico said he grew up listening to Tyler's music as a child because his mother was a fan.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

James said he has used rage-baiting lines to draw in viewers before because he knows what drives attention to his account.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

I was pitching fine and you don’t pull someone out in the fourth inning just because you need a hit at the time,” John said last year.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

Peeling produces a slightly cleaner finished syrup, but because the mixture will eventually be strained, leaving the skins on works perfectly well.

From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026

She can’t really hear God’s voice booming through the trees, but she pretends she does, because she’s imagining that she is Joan of Arc.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly