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because

bi-KAWZ/bɪˈkɔz/UKbi-KOZ/bɪˈkɒz/

6 meanings of because

Practice

  1. 1
    the causeconjunction
    Used to give the reason why something happens, or why you think something is true.

    Think of it like an arrow drawn from the reason to the result.

    I hid because I was afraid.

    We left early because the roads were icy.

    UsageSay because it rained, or because of the rain.

    Similarsince, as

  2. 2
    on account ofadverb
    Used with 'of' to give the reason for something.

    We stayed inside all day because of the heavy rain.

    The train was late because of the snow.

    UsageSay because of the snow, but because it snowed.

    Note
  3. 3
    refusing a reasoninterjection
    Used alone as an answer to 'why', meaning 'I won't tell you'.

    "Why can't I go?" "Because."

    "Why do we have to leave?" "Just because."

    UsageInformal. Often used in the phrase Just because.

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    prepositioncolloquial
    Used before a single word, without 'of', to give a quick or joking reason, as in 'because reasons'.

    I'm late because traffic.

    I ate the whole cake by myself because birthday.

    UsageIn formal writing, say because of the rain or because it rained, rather than because rain.

    Note
  2. 5
    adverbobsolete
    An old way of giving a reason, with 'that' after it, as in 'because that he rested'.
    And God blessed the seuenth day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his worke, which God created and made.
    1611, The Holy Bible, King James VersionHere, because that means simply because, for the reason that.
    Note
  3. 6
    conjunctionobsolete
    An old use meaning 'so that', giving a purpose.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English "bi cause," made from "bi" (by) plus "cause."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact

  • Because derives from Middle English bi cause, formed from bi meaning ‘by’ plus cause. en.wiktionary.org