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Definition and meaning of English word "become"

become

/bɪˈkʌm/

Meaning

Verb

begin to be; turn into.

Reviewed by the TheLernen language teamDefinition sourced from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0)

How to use

The verb 'become' is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to describe a change in state or condition. A typical context for 'become' is in descriptions of personal growth, career development, or changes in circumstances. One grammatical nuance to note is that 'become' is often used with abstract nouns, such as 'a legend' or 'a reality', and not typically with concrete objects, where 'turn into' might be more suitable.

🇬🇧 English

become

Example

She will become a doctor when she grows up.

He will become a millionaire by the time he is 30.

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Synonyms

turngrowevolve

Common phrases

  • become a legendbecome a legend
  • become a realitybecome a reality
  • become a part ofbecome a part of

This concept in other languages

Frequency rank: #423 in English

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the English word "become" mean?

The English word "become" means "become" in English.

How do you pronounce the English word "become"?

You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "become" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.

Can I see an example sentence with "become"?

Yes, here is a practical example: "Used to show a change in someone's state or position." (which translates as "become").

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