because

[bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz] /bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz/

conjunction

for the reason that; due to the fact that:

The boy was absent because he was ill.

Idioms

because of, by reason of; due to:

Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.

Origin

1275-1325; Middle English bi cause by cause

Synonyms

1. Because, as, since, for, inasmuch as agree in implying a reason for an occurrence or action. Because introduces a direct reason: I was sleeping because I was tired. As and since are so casual as to imply merely circumstances attendant on the main statement: As (or since ) I was tired, I was sleeping. The reason, proof, or justification introduced by for is like an afterthought or a parenthetical statement: I was sleeping, for I was tired. Inasmuch as implies concession; the main statement is true in view of the circumstances introduced by this conjunction: Inasmuch as I was tired, it seemed best to sleep.

Usage note

1. See reason.

Examples from the web for because

Some traditional childhood games are disappearing from school playgrounds because educators say they're dangerous.
She is visiting the doctor because of several symptoms.
Blogging is no longer what it was, because it has entered the mainstream.
Biff won that fight simply because there was no fight.
Part of why diets fail is because diet food is often not very satisfying.
because this is exactly the kind of move that is getting people so upset with you.
If it has not, that may be partly because it insisted that the recession was imported from the outside world.
Global warming has kindled the debate further because it has created both hotter and drier conditions in many places.
That's because information is not the scarce resource.
because they have grown rich, they'll have the means to keep it.

British Dictionary definitions for because

because

/bɪˈkɒz; -ˈkəz/

conjunction

(subordinating) on account of the fact that; on account of being; since: because it's so cold we'll go home

(preposition) because of, on account of: I lost my job because of her

reason

Word Origin

C14 bi cause, from biby + cause

Word Origin and History for because

conj.

c.1300, bi cause "by cause," modeled on French par cause. Originally a phrase, often followed by a subordinate clause introduced by that or why. One word from c.1400. As an adverb from late 14c. Clipped form cause attested in writing by mid-15c.