DictionaryAI

become

verb
bi-KUM/bɪˈkʌm/

Formsbecomes, becoming, became, become

5 meanings of become

Practice

  1. 1
    turn intoverb
    To start to be something you were not before.

    Like a small seed that grows into a tall tree.

    Over time, strangers can become close friends.

    She studied hard to become a nurse.

    UsageSay she became a nurse. Use became for the past, and become after has, have, or had.

    Similarget, turn, grow, go (entry)

  2. 2
    happenverbintransitive
    Used with 'of' to talk about what happens to someone or something later, as in 'what became of him?'

    What will become of the old house now that the family has moved away?

    No one knew what would become of the missing ship and its crew.

    Similarhappen

    Note
  3. 3
    look good onverbtransitive
    To look nice on someone, as clothes or colors can.

    Like a good frame that makes a picture look even better.

    That blue dress really becomes you.

    Bright colors become her better than dark ones do.

    UsageMost people say suits: that dress suits you.

    Similarsuit, flatter

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    be properverbtransitive
    To be the right and fitting thing for someone to do.

    Like good manners that fit the moment.

    It does not become you to lie to your friends.

    Shouting at the referee does not become the team captain.

    UsageSay it does not become you to lie.

    Similarbefit, suit, behoove

    Note
  2. 5
    verbobsoleteintransitive
    To arrive somewhere, or to reach a place.
    But, madam, where is Warwick then become?
    c. 1591, William Shakespeare, “The Third Part of Henry the Sixt,”Here, become means gone or arrived, so it asks where Warwick has gone.
    & thenne the noble knyghte sire Launcelot departed with ryghte heuy chere sodenly / that none erthely creature wyste of hym / nor where he was become / but sir Bors
    1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte DarthurHere, become means gone or arrived, so no one knew where he had gone.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Old English becuman, meaning "to come to" or "happen." It is made from be- ("about, around") plus come.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 4 facts