because
[ bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz ]
/ bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /
conjunction
for the reason that; due to the fact that: The boy was absent because he was ill.
preposition
Informal.
(used directly before a noun, adjective, verb, interjection, etc., to convey a very concise rationale, excuse, or explanation): We’re a little like monkeys because evolution. He doesn’t practice enough: because lazy. I love doughnuts because yum!
Idioms for because
because of,
by reason of; due to: Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.
synonym study for because
1.
Because,
as,
since,
for,
inasmuch as agree in implying a reason for an occurrence or action.
Because introduces a direct reason:
I was sleeping because I was tired.
As and
since are so casual as to imply merely circumstances attendant on the main statement:
As (or
since )
I was tired, I was sleeping. The reason, proof, or justification introduced by
for is like an afterthought or a parenthetical statement:
I was sleeping, for I was tired. The more formal
inasmuch as implies concession; the main statement is true in view of the circumstances introduced by this conjunction:
Inasmuch as I was tired, it seemed best to sleep.
usage note for because
1. See
reason.
Words nearby because
British Dictionary definitions for because
because
/ (bɪˈkɒz, -ˈkəz) /
conjunction
(subordinating)
on account of the fact that; on account of being; since
because it's so cold we'll go home
because of (preposition)
on account of
I lost my job because of her
Word Origin for because
C14
bi cause, from
bi
by +
cause
undefined because
See
reason