become

[bih-kuhm]

verb (used without object)

became, become, becoming. 

1. to come, change, or grow to be (as specified).

   He became tired.

2. to come into being.

verb (used with object)

became, become, becoming. 

1. to be attractive on; befit in appearance; look well on.

   That gown becomes you.

2. to be suitable or necessary to the dignity, situation, or responsibility of.

   conduct that becomes an officer.

become

/ bɪˈkʌm /

verb

1. (copula) to come to be; develop or grow into

   he became a monster

2. (foll by of; usually used in a question) to fall to or be the lot (of); happen (to)

   what became of him?

3. (tr) (of clothes, etc) to enhance the appearance of (someone); suit

   that dress becomes you

4. (tr) to be appropriate; befit

   it ill becomes you to complain

Word History and Origins

Origin of become¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English becumen, Old English becuman “to come about, happen”; cognate with Dutch bekomen, German bekommen, Gothic biqiman. See be-, come

Word History and Origins

Origin of become¹

Old English becuman to happen; related to Old High German biqueman to come to, Gothic biquiman to appear suddenly

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. become of, to happen to; be the fate of.

   What will become of him?

More idioms and phrases containing become

• get

Example Sentences

A number of commenters on Duffy's X post have pointed out that the reason they dress so casually is because of how cramped plane cabins have become, as well as the expectation of extended delays.

Read more on BBC

Australia has poured billions of dollars into solar power, wind turbines and green manufacturing and pledged to become a renewable energy superpower.

Read more on Barron's

The maker of Asahi Super Dry, one of Japan's most popular beers, said on September 29 that it was hit by the ransomware cyberattack, becoming the latest high-profile global corporate target.

Read more on Barron's

Thanksgiving officially became a federal holiday in the midst of the Civil War.

Read more on Barron's

Armory, a building that has become the main staging ground for troops from eight states who have been deployed to the city since August.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• come 
• develop into www.thesaurus.com
• grow into 
• turn into www.thesaurus.com