Because: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：for the reason that (because)

because 🔊

/bɪˈkɒz/

conj.

Used to give the reason for something.

Because cause and effect illustration showing hungry person and lunchtime

for the reason that 🔊

➕

/fɔːr ðə ˈriːzən ðæt/

conj.

Used to introduce the reason or explanation for an action or situation.

📁 Category：Language Evolution 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English 'by cause' (by + cause), meaning 'for the reason that'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'Be cause' → 'Be the cause of something' links directly to giving a reason.

📖 Example

I missed the bus because my alarm didn't go off. 🔊 I missed the bus because my alarm didn't go off.

🔗 Collocations

because of – due to; as a result of

just because – for no particular reason; simply

because of this – as a consequence of this fact

🔄 Synonyms

since (conj.) – Used to give a reason, often when the reason is already known or obvious.

as (conj.) – Used to give a reason, usually placed at the beginning of a sentence.

for (conj.) – Used to give a reason, more formal and literary, often after a comma.

🚫 Antonyms

although (conj.) – In spite of the fact that; introduces a contrasting reason.

despite (prep.) – Without being affected by; indicates something happens even though there is a reason not to.

🌱 Derivatives

because of (prep.) – As a result of; due to.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'because' evolved from the Middle English phrase 'by cause' (calqued from Old French 'par cause'). It replaced earlier Old English 'forþy' as the standard causal conjunction.