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

“You have the AI names, specifically the clouds, really holding in there because they are very rate-agnostic,” he told MarketWatch in a phone interview on Wednesday.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 14, 2026

That is because the company’s shares are viewed as safe, and its business predictable, say analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

They might come around, because in the city’s shared system of power, there are times when the City Council and mayor need to paddle in the same direction in order to get anywhere.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026

The 54-year-old was referred to NHS Forth Valley's programme by her gynaecologist because she needs surgery, but her weight was too high for it to go ahead safely.

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

In our time, we control most epileptic symptoms with powerful drugs called "anticonvulsants," because uncontrolled seizures can cause their own brain damage.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman