WordGarden.iobecome
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /bɪkˈʌm/
US
- /bɪˈkəm/
Meanings
Verb
to come to be something or enter a new state
to suit someone or be appropriate to their appearance or position
Beyond the definition
To become means to start to be something different from what you were before. Think of a caterpillar—it doesn't start out as a butterfly; it becomes one through a remarkable transformation! It is about a process of change, a journey from one state to another. You might become tired after a long day or become friends with someone new. Sometimes becoming is slow and gradual, like becoming an expert in your field, and sometimes it is sudden, like becoming aware of danger.
The word hints at potential—the possibility of what could be. "She dreamed of becoming a doctor" suggests she wasn't one yet but was working toward that goal. It differs from simply "being" something because it emphasizes the transition.
Become describes the process of changing into something else—a transformation from one state or condition to another. It is more than just being; it implies a journey or an evolution. For example, "The sky became dark with storm clouds" shows a change in weather, while "He became a successful entrepreneur after years of hard work" illustrates a shift in career and status.
Become often suggests a gradual process, but it can also describe sudden changes. You might become accustomed to a new routine over time, or you might become instantly aware of a problem. It is used frequently when talking about personal growth and development: "She wanted to become a better listener," or "He is becoming increasingly confident."
Unlike "is," which states a current state, become focuses on the act of transitioning. You wouldn't say "He became happy" if he were already happy; you would say "He is happy." However, you would use become to describe how someone reached that state: "He became happy after receiving good news."
The word also carries a sense of potential and possibility. The idea that "with dedication, anyone can become anything they set their mind to" suggests the power of transformation. Whether it is a physical change, an emotional shift, or a career path unfolding—become is about the journey from what is to what will be.
Examples
- 1
Career goal
She wants to become a doctor one day.
- 2
Weather change
The sky became dark very quickly.
- 3
Neighborhood change
This part of town has become much more expensive in recent years.
- 4
New interest
I became interested in cooking when I started living alone.
- Patternbecome interested in + topic/activity
start to feel interested in it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Realization
It soon became clear that we were on the wrong train.
- Patternit became clear that + clause
it was easy to understand that clause
- 6
Reputation
The company became known for its fast delivery service.
- Patternbecome known for + quality/work
start to be widely recognized for it
- 7
Friendship
We became good friends after working on the same project.
- 8
Follow-up question
Whatever became of the dog you found last summer?
- PhraseWhat became of ...?
What happened to ...?
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- becomeverb
Forms
- becamepast tenseverb
- becomesverb
- becoming-ing formverb