Becoming Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒฑ
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becoming

[bษชหˆkสŒmษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

personal development

Becoming refers to the process of undergoing change or transformation into a particular state or identity. It often implies growth, evolution, or improvement in character, position, or circumstance.

Synonyms

developing, growing, transforming.

Examples of usage

  • She is becoming more confident in her abilities.
  • He is becoming a skilled musician after years of practice.
  • They are becoming involved in community service.
Context #2 | Noun

state of change

Becoming can denote the condition of transitioning or evolving into something else, indicating an ongoing process rather than a completed state.

Synonyms

development, evolution, transformation.

Examples of usage

  • Her journey of becoming has inspired many.
  • The film explores the theme of becoming.
  • His art reflects his process of becoming.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The idea of 'becoming' is important in personal development, as it emphasizes the journey of self-improvement.
  • Psychologists often explore how identity evolves over time, influenced by experiences and environments.
  • Carl Rogers, a key figure in psychology, suggested that self-actualization is a never-ending process of 'becoming' oneโ€™s true self.

Art

  • In literature, characters often experience 'becoming' as they undergo significant changes due to events in the story.
  • Artists use the concept of 'becoming' to express themes of transformation in various mediums, including painting and sculpture.
  • Many paintings depict transformationโ€”like seasons changingโ€”as visual metaphors for the idea of 'becoming'.

Cultural Reflections

  • Various cultures have ceremonies that symbolize 'becoming', such as coming-of-age rituals marking the transition from childhood to adulthood.
  • In mythology, heroes frequently experience 'becoming' through trials that lead to personal growth and new identities.
  • Modern media often highlights 'becoming', celebrating personal stories of transformation, such as weight loss or career changes.

Origin of 'becoming'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'becuman', meaning 'to arrive' or 'to come to'.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to 'becomen', which also meant 'to happen' or 'to come to be'.
  • The term has been used in literature as a way to discuss transformation and personal growth since the 14th century.

The word 'becoming' is derived from the Old English 'becuman,' which means 'to come about, to arrive.' Over time, the term evolved, incorporating the prefix 'be-' which suggests thoroughness or intensity. The suffix '-ing' indicates a process or ongoing action. The semantic shift from a mere physical arrival to a broader sense of transformation illustrates the linguistic evolution of the term. In modern English, 'becoming' encompasses various contexts, especially in personal development and identity formation, reflecting contemporary values around growth and transformation. This evolution showcases how language adapts to cultural changes, emphasizing a journey rather than a mere endpoint.


Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,706, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.