Become Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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become

[bɪˈkʌm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

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?

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Word Description / Examples
become

Used for general transformations or changes, often referring to a new state or role achieved.

  • She became a doctor after many years of study.
  • Over the years, the small town became a bustling city.
turn into

Typically used for changes in state or condition, can imply both negative or neutral transformations.

  • She turned into a strict teacher after her promotion.
  • The milk turned into yogurt after fermentation.
grow into

Often used to describe natural development or adaptation, especially in terms of maturity or fitting into a role.

  • He grew into a responsible and caring adult.
  • The puppy grew into a large dog.
transform into

Indicates a significant or dramatic change, often sudden, and can be used for both positive and negative transformations.

  • The caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly.
  • Overnight, the peaceful town transformed into a war zone.
develop into

Implies a process of gradual change or improvement, often referring to personal or professional growth.

  • With hard work, he developed into a skilled musician.
  • The company developed into one of the leading tech firms.
evolve into

Suggests a slow and natural progression, often used for more complex or sophisticated changes.

  • The startup evolved into a multinational corporation.
  • Their friendship evolved into a deep romantic relationship.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #237, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.