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

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."

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 notes

In 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

become → becoming → begun →

Common pairings

became known as became clear became a father became apparent what became of

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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'.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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turned into grew came to be got suited flattered

Related Words

got Grew suited compatible honoured geared flattered obtained

Rhymes for became

name came game dame same fame tame lame flame blame frame shame

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.

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