Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense becomes, present participle becoming, past tense becamelanguage note: The form become is used in the present tense and is the past participle.
1. link verb
If someone or something becomes a particular thing, they start to change and develop into that thing, or start to develop the characteristics mentioned.
I first became interested in Islam while I was doing my nursing training. [VERB adjective]
The cocoa industry dwindled because it became increasingly difficult to cover costs. [VERB adjective]
During the 1980s the world's financial systems became more open. [VERB adjective]
The pilot decided to land, but as we lost altitude the wind became stronger. [VERB adjective]
She became interested in the idea of starting her own business. [VERB adjective]
After leaving school, he became a professional footballer. [VERB noun]
In 1823 Honduras became a part of the United Provinces of Central America. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: come to be, develop into, be transformed into, grow into More Synonyms of become
2. verb [no passive, no cont]
If something becomes someone, it makes them look attractive or it seems right for them.
Does khaki become you? [VERB noun]
Don't be crude tonight, Bernard, it doesn't become you. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: suit, look good on, fit, enhance More Synonyms of become
3.
See what has become of
become in British English
(bɪˈkʌm)
verbWord forms: -comes, -coming, -came or -come(mainly intr)
1. (copula)
to come to be; develop or grow into
he became a monster
2. (foll by of; usually used in a question)
to fall to or be the lot (of); happen (to)
what became of him?
3. (transitive)
(of clothes, etc) to enhance the appearance of (someone); suit
that dress becomes you
4. (transitive)
to be appropriate; befit
it ill becomes you to complain
Word origin
Old English becuman to happen; related to Old High German biqueman to come to, Gothic biquiman to appear suddenly