become

[ bih-kuhm ]

verb (used without object)

, be·came [bih-, keym], be·come, be·com·ing [bih-, kuhm, -ing].

1. to come, change, or grow to be (as specified):

   He became tired.

2. to come into being.

verb (used with object)

, be·came [bih-, keym], be·come, be·com·ing [bih-, kuhm, -ing].

1. to be attractive on; befit in appearance; look well on:

   That gown becomes you.

2. to be suitable or necessary to the dignity, situation, or responsibility of:

   conduct that becomes an officer.

become

/ bɪˈkʌm /

verb

1. copula to come to be; develop or grow into

   he became a monster

2. foll by of; usually used in a question to fall to or be the lot (of); happen (to)

   what became of him?

3. tr (of clothes, etc) to enhance the appearance of (someone); suit

   that dress becomes you

4. tr to be appropriate; befit

   it ill becomes you to complain

Word History and Origins

Origin of become¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English becumen, Old English becuman “to come about, happen”; cognate with Dutch bekomen, German bekommen, Gothic biqiman. See be-, come

Word History and Origins

Origin of become¹

Old English becuman to happen; related to Old High German biqueman to come to, Gothic biquiman to appear suddenly

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. become of, to happen to; be the fate of:

   What will become of him?

More idioms and phrases containing become

In addition to the idiom beginning with become , also see idioms beginning with get .

Example Sentences

"Over the last eight to 10 years, these knives have become more and more common in the sort of murder cases that unfortunately we are prosecuting across the country."

From BBC

Disneyland regulars who go on the ride multiple times will also become familiar with Lari the armadillo, a good-natured thief who appears multiple times throughout the ride.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the past decade, license plate readers have become a useful tool for law enforcement agencies across the country.

From Los Angeles Times

Forceps were used to remove a tampon which had become wedged inside Ms Hand's vagina.

From BBC

When he takes the field Saturday against Nebraska, he’ll become the first passer of Polynesian descent to start a game at quarterback for USC.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• come
• develop into
• grow into
• turn into