becoming

[ bih-kuhm-ing ]

adjective

1. that suits or gives a pleasing effect or attractive appearance, as to a person or thing:

   a becoming dress; a becoming hairdo.

   Synonyms: comely

2. suitable; appropriate; proper:

   a becoming sentiment.

   Synonyms: fitting, seemly, congruous, decorous, right, apt, fit, meet

noun

1. any process of change.
2. Aristotelianism. any change involving realization of potentialities, as a movement from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality.

becoming

/ bɪˈkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

1. suitable; appropriate

noun

1. any process of change
2. (in the philosophy of Aristotle) any change from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality

Derived Forms

• beˈcomingly, adverb
• beˈcomingness, noun

Other Words From

• be·coming·ly adverb
• be·coming·ness noun
• well-be·coming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of becoming¹

First recorded in 1555–65; become + -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

“Only in America can you go from refugees fleeing with nothing but the clothes on your back to becoming a member of Congress in just one generation,” Tran said in a post on X.

From Los Angeles Times

The returning Chloe Tryon showed some resistance with 30 from 24 balls before becoming the fourth batter to be clean bowled by Glenn to all but secure victory for England.

From BBC

It also offered Badenoch a way to attack the government, as she faced off with Sir Keir at Prime Minister's Questions for only the third time since becoming Tory leader earlier this month.

From BBC

The bird flu crisis began several years ago but ramped up last April when dairy cows started becoming infected.

From Salon

But even a decade ago, it was becoming clear that the real epicenters of vaccine refusal were right-wing religious groups, not people with fading Barack Obama bumper stickers.

From Salon