because

[ bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz ]

conjunction

1. for the reason that; due to the fact that:

   The boy was absent because he was ill.

preposition

1. 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!

because

/ -ˈkəz; bɪˈkɒz /

conjunction

1. subordinating on account of the fact that; on account of being; since

   because it's so cold we'll go home

2. because of
   preposition on account of

   I lost my job because of her

Usage Note

See reason.

Usage

See reason

Word History and Origins

Origin of because¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bi cause; by ( def ), cause ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of because¹

C14 bi cause , from bi by + cause

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. because of, by reason of; due to:

   Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.

Example Sentences

Hegseth’s loyalty is significant, because Trump has previously demonstrated willingness to extend his decision-making reach into matters traditionally left to Pentagon leaders.

From Los Angeles Times

If this sounds silly, it’s because you are not thinking like a mouse.

From Slate

He has previously avoided commenting on the topic because of the Bank's independence from Westminster politics.

From BBC

“French needs it, because as every English student of French knows, there is no word for ‘shallow’,” he said.

From BBC

However print versions of the earlier sections do not have the change, because for many years the Académie fought a rear-guard action against it.

From BBC