Synonyms

because

American

[bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz] / bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /

conjunction

for the reason that; due to the fact that.

The boy was absent because he was ill.

preposition

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

because of, by reason of; due to.

Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.

because British

/ -ˈkəz, bɪˈkɒz /

conjunction

(subordinating) on account of the fact that; on account of being; since

because it's so cold we'll go home
(preposition) on account of

I lost my job because of her

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

See reason.

Etymology

Origin of because

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bi cause; by ( def. ), cause ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The connection is important because sleep is essential for regulating the cardiovascular system.

From Science Daily

Because sleep problems are common, measurable, and treatable, identifying and addressing them early could significantly alter the course of cardiovascular disease.

From Science Daily

After detectives released the list of sightings, I knocked at the caretaker's door, because he appeared to be the last man to have seen the girls.

From BBC

"Because there's not been an out-and-out left-back, it's an opportunity for someone. Every single other position you can pretty much say 'that's their first choice'," she added.

From BBC

And, look away Spurs fans, because that day looks set to arrive earlier than ever.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023