Langimage
English

become

|be/come|

A2

/bɪˈkʌm/

to begin to be

Etymology
Etymology Information

'become' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'becuman,' where 'be-' meant 'about' and 'cuman' meant 'to come.'

Historical Evolution

'becuman' transformed into the Middle English word 'bicomen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'become'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to come to a place,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to begin to be.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to begin to be; to come to be.

She became a doctor after years of study.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to be suitable or appropriate for someone.

That dress really becomes you.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35