verb
became
bih-KAYM
Became (verb) means past tense of become: began to be something, or changed into a different state or condition. Example: “She became a solicitor at twenty-five.”
verb
1
Past tense of become: began to be something, or changed into a different state or condition.
"She became a solicitor at twenty-five."
"The room became unbearably hot by mid-afternoon."
2
formal Past tense of become in the sense of suiting or looking good on someone.
"The short hair became her enormously."
How to use became
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe past form of become.
When to use it
Neutral. Standard in all writing and speech.
Memory tip
The pattern is become, became, become: 'It has become cold', not 'It has became cold'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
became known as
became clear
became a father
became apparent
what became of
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ a solicitor at twenty-five.
Etymology
Past tense of become, from Old English becuman 'to come to, arrive, happen', from be- plus cuman 'to come'.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for became
See all rhymes for became →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between became and become?
Became is the simple past: 'He became a teacher in 2019.' Become is the base form and also the past participle, used after have, has or had: 'He has become a teacher.' Became never follows have.
Is it 'has became' or 'has become'?
Has become. After has, have or had you need the past participle, which for this verb is become, identical to the base form. 'Has became' is always wrong.
What is the meaning of became?
"became" (verb) means past tense of become: began to be something, or changed into a different state or condition.
What is another word for became?
Other words for "became" include turned into, grew, came to be, got, suited, flattered.
