Because: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค”
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because

 

[ bษชหˆkษ’z ]

Conjunction / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Conjunction

connecting words

Used for giving the reason for something.

Synonyms

as, for, since.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
because

Used to introduce a reason or explanation. It's straightforward and neutral.

  • She went to bed early because she was tired.
  • The game was canceled because it was raining.
since

Used to indicate a reason in a more casual or conversational manner. It also implies time.

  • I will help you, since you asked nicely.
  • She hasnโ€™t eaten anything since this morning.
as

Often used when the reason is not the primary focus but still important. It's slightly more formal.

  • I will stay inside as it is too hot outside.
  • He didnโ€™t come to the party as he had to work late.
for

Commonly used in written, formal or literary contexts to show reason. It can sound a bit old-fashioned.

  • She waited patiently, for she knew he would come.
  • He was happy to see her, for she had been away a long time.

Examples of usage

  • I can't go out because I'm too busy.
  • She must be at home because her car is in the driveway.
Context #2 | Noun

cause or reason

The reason why something happens.

Synonyms

cause, motive, reason.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
because

Used to introduce a reason or explanation. It's useful in both casual and formal conversations.

  • I went to bed early because I was tired.
  • Because it was raining, the event was cancelled.
reason

Used to provide an explanation or justification for an event, action, or situation. It's versatile and can be used in both formal and informal conversations.

  • The reason I called you is to discuss the project.
  • There must be a good reason why she left so suddenly.
cause

Used to introduce a reason in informal speech or text messages. It's a shortened form of 'because'.

  • I'm staying in tonight 'cause I don't feel well.
  • He didn't go to work 'cause his car broke down.
motive

Often used in the context of explaining why someone did something, typically in discussions involving intentions, emotions, or criminal investigations. Carry a formal tone.

  • The police are still trying to determine the motive behind the crime.
  • His motive for volunteering was to help the community.

Examples of usage

  • The because of the accident was the slippery road.
  • She couldn't attend the meeting because of her illness.

Translations

Translations of the word "because" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น porque

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคฏเฅ‹เค‚เค•เคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช weil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ karena

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะพะผัƒ ั‰ะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ poniewaลผ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใชใœใชใ‚‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท parce que

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ porque

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงรผnkรผ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์™œ๋ƒํ•˜๋ฉด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ุฃู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ protoลพe

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pretoลพe

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ› ไธบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ker

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vegna รพess aรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉะนั‚ะบะตะฝั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒ›แƒ˜แƒขแƒแƒ› แƒ แƒแƒ›

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รงรผnki

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ porque

Etymology

The word 'because' originated in Middle English, coming from the combination of 'by' and 'cause'. It has been used since the 14th century to introduce a reason or cause for something. Over time, 'because' has become a common conjunction in the English language, playing a crucial role in connecting clauses and explaining relationships between events or actions.

See also: casual, cause, causing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #80, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.