because

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Alternative forms 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Pronunciation 1.4 Adverb 1.4.1 Derived terms 1.4.2 Translations 1.5 Conjunction 1.5.1 Synonyms 1.5.2 Translations 1.6 Interjection

[edit] English

[edit] Alternative forms

• cos, cuz, coz, 'cos, 'cuz, 'coz

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English bi cause = bi (“‘by’”) + cause, modelled on Old French par cause

[edit] Pronunciation

• (stressed)
  • (UK) IPA: /bɪˈkɒz/, SAMPA: /bI"kQz/
  • (US) IPA: /bɪˈkɔz/, /bɪˈkʌz/, SAMPA: /bI"kOz/, /bɪ"kVz/
• (unstressed)
  • IPA: /bɪkəz/, SAMPA: /bIk@z/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

  Rhymes: -ɒz

• Hyphenation: be‧cause

[edit] Adverb

because (not comparable)

1. (archaic) For the reason (that).
   • 1611: And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. — Genesis 2.iii (King James Bible)
2. On account (of).

   I ruined my life because of you!

[edit] Derived terms

• because of

[edit] Translations

[edit] Conjunction

because

1. By or for the cause that; on this account that; for the reason that.

   I hid myself because I was afraid.

[edit] Synonyms

• (for the reason that): therefore, since, for, as inasmuch as, ∵ (mathematics symbol)

[edit] Translations

[edit] Interjection

because

1. Used to terminate inquiry concerning origin or purpose, typically initiated by why

   "Daddy, why is the sky blue?" / "Well, because the sky .... Because the light .... Because the air .... Just because!"