because

American  

[bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz] / bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /

conjunction

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

   The boy was absent because he was ill.

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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!

idioms

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

   Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.

because British  

/ -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. (preposition) on account of

   I lost my job because of her

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Usage

See reason.

Etymology

Origin of because

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

Example Sentences

Nearly half said they had considered leaving Florida because of the cost of living.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

That could be a warning for stocks, but it also may not matter because investors have become accustomed to this type of environment, analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

According to KABC, the pilot told passengers that they would be making an emergency landing because the wind had died down and the hot air balloon was running low on fuel.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

You have to, because you know how good they are.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

That he says she doesn’t want us to be happy with him, and that it’s her fault he has no money because the court lets her steal it all.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam