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Come about Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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come about

[ˈkʌm əˈbaʊt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Phrasal verb

intransitive

to happen, to take place; to come into existence or being; to occur as a result of something

Synonyms

arise, happen, occur, result, take place.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
come about

Used when referring to something happening by chance or unexpectedly.

  • How did the accident come about?
  • The idea for the project came about during a casual conversation.
happen

Used in everyday conversation to describe events or actions that take place, often unexpectedly.

  • It just happened out of nowhere.
  • Accidents happen all the time.
occur

Used in formal or scientific contexts to discuss incidents or events, sometimes implying a natural or planned occurrence.

  • The experiment will occur next week.
  • Health complications can occur if the medication is not taken properly.
take place

Used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to planned or scheduled events.

  • The conference will take place next Monday.
  • The wedding took place in a beautiful garden.
arise

Used in formal situations, usually when referring to a problem or opportunity appearing.

  • Problems can arise if the instructions are not followed carefully.
  • A new opportunity has arisen for our company.
result

Used to highlight the outcome or effect of an action or situation, often in a causal context.

  • His hard work resulted in a promotion.
  • The flooding resulted from heavy rainfall.

Examples of usage

  • The accident came about due to the slippery road conditions.
  • How did the idea for the project come about?
  • The change in policy came about after months of discussions.
  • The decision to move abroad came about suddenly.
  • She wondered how such a beautiful garden could have come about in such a short time.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'come about'

The phrasal verb 'come about' originated in Middle English, with 'come' meaning 'to move or travel towards a destination' and 'about' meaning 'in the opposite direction'. Over time, the phrase evolved to mean 'to happen or occur'. The use of 'come about' in its current sense dates back to the 16th century.