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. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

because

The Metropolitan Police told us it could not comment because of the ongoing legal case.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026

"We consider another hike a mistake because there is almost no evidence of knock-on effects," Felix Schmidt, senior economist at Berenberg bank, told AFP.

From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026

CAR-T remains a niche within cancer treatment because it can treat a limited number of cancer types.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026

The investigation is believed to be nearing a conclusion because all three coaches have been interviewed, according to a person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 7, 2026

It might be because timing is a key element in music.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold