verb

become

bih-KUHM

verb

To start being something different; to change into.

"After years of training, she became a qualified surgeon."

"The weather quickly became colder as autumn set in."

To suit or look attractive on someone (formal/literary).

"That shade of blue really becomes her."

How to Use Become

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo change into, or turn into, something or someone; less commonly, to suit or flatter.

Common mistake

Remember "become" is followed directly by a noun or adjective ("become a doctor," "become angry") — not by "to" ("become to a doctor" is wrong).

Common pairings

become aware become involved what became of

Word Forms

became past tense, become past tense, becomen past tense, becomed past tense, become plural, became plural, becomed plural, becomes singular, become singular, became singular, becomed singular, becomest singular, becamest singular, becamedst singular, becometh singular

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That shade of blue really _____ her.

Etymology

From Old English becuman, "to happen, arrive, come to be," built from "be-" (around) and "come." The sense of "suit, look good on" developed separately, influenced by a similar-sounding Middle English word meaning "to please."

Rhymes for become

ome some come home Rome nome tome dome gnome genome income Jerome

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