Definitions

because

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

CONJUNCTION

on account of

Synonyms

WEAK

as as a result of as long as as things go being by cause of by reason of by virtue of considering due to for for the reason that for the sake of in as much as in behalf of in that in the interest of in view of now that on the grounds that over owing to seeing since thanks to through whereas

PREPOSITION

on account of

Synonyms

WEAK

as being by cause of by reason of by virtue of considering due to for for the reason that for the sake of in as much as in behalf of in that in the interest of in view of now that on the grounds that over owing to seeing since thanks to through whereas

Usage

What are other ways to say because? The conjunction because introduces a direct reason for an occurrence or action: 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 famished, for I had not eaten all day. The more formal 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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She avoided ChatGPT for much of her time at the University of Vermont because she didn’t want to cut corners.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

“Of course it was a risky operation because of the possibility of explosion,” Huang said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

Lord Wolfson said he agreed with eliminating zero-hours contracts in most sectors, but said the new rules were tricky for retail, "because the risk is you then have to contract for those hours forever".

From BBC • May 25, 2026

But an Alberta judge shut down the process, saying the citizens' initiative was invalid because the separatists had failed to consult with Indigenous groups whose rights could be threatened if the province separated from Canada.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

I realize that I don’t have to tell him that I’m applying because applying doesn’t equal acceptance.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

because

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words