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  

/ bɪˈkɒz, -ˈkəz /

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. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

because

Autonomous trucks can reduce fuel consumption by 10% because they can calibrate speeds and optimize acceleration, braking and coasting with more precision, the companies say.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

Katherine “Kitty” Good Semisch, a retired Bucks County teacher and a key figure in the documentary, says the series is perfectly timed for the midterms because of its efforts to humanize everyone.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

The tragedy has heightened community concerns, the neighbors said, because it forced one to realize "that you don't know who you are living next to."

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

Tore Andre Flo was a menace for Premier League defenders not merely because of his tall, gangly frame but for the silky touches the Norwegian often showed with his giant boots.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

“We place Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Robinson at the center of this exhibit because without them and many other women, there would have never been a Voting Rights Act,” Dr. Davis says.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

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