Become Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🌱
become
[bɪˈkʌm ]
Definition
to transform into
1. Begin to be. 2. Experience a change in condition. 3. Turn into. 4. Come into existence. 5. Pass into a specified state. 6. Assume a specified state. 7. Grow or come to be.
Synonyms
develop into, evolve into, grow into, transform into, turn into.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
become |
Used for general transformations or changes, often referring to a new state or role achieved.
|
turn into |
Typically used for changes in state or condition, can imply both negative or neutral transformations.
|
grow into |
Often used to describe natural development or adaptation, especially in terms of maturity or fitting into a role.
|
transform into |
Indicates a significant or dramatic change, often sudden, and can be used for both positive and negative transformations.
|
develop into |
Implies a process of gradual change or improvement, often referring to personal or professional growth.
|
evolve into |
Suggests a slow and natural progression, often used for more complex or sophisticated changes.
|
Examples of usage
- He became angry when he heard the news.
- The caterpillar will become a butterfly.
- She became a successful businesswoman.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- 'Become' often appears in literature and film as a theme of transformation, reflecting personal growth or change in identity.
- In many cultures, the journey of becoming is celebrated through rites of passage, marking significant transitions in life.
Psychology
- The process of becoming can be linked to self-actualization, a concept where individuals reach their full potential through personal growth.
- Cognitive behavior encourages focusing on who you want to become, emphasizing the power of choices in shaping one's identity.
Literature
- Famous works often explore themes of becoming, such as 'Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka, where transformation becomes a central element of the human experience.
- Character development in novels frequently hinges on the protagonists' journey of becoming, highlighting their struggles and triumphs.
Science
- In biology, the process of development is often described as organisms becoming more complex through growth and adaptation.
- The theory of evolution illustrates how species become adapted to their environments over millions of years, emphasizing gradual change.
Origin of 'become'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Old English word 'becuman', which means 'to come to', showing a sense of arrival or transformation.
- Its roots can also be traced back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European words that refer to 'coming' and 'becoming'.
The word 'become' originated from the Old English word 'becuman,' which means 'to come, arrive, happen.' It has evolved over time to signify the process of transformation or development. The concept of 'becoming' reflects the continuous change and growth that individuals experience in their lives.
See also: come, comeback, comers, coming, forthcoming, income, newcomer, overcome, upcoming.