become
verb (intransitive)
UK/bɪˈkʌm/US/bɪˈkʌm/
to begin to be something; to grow or develop into a different form or state
Example Sentences
He wants to become a professional chef one day.
Over time, the small start-up might become a leading tech enterprise.
She trained rigorously to become a champion figure skater.
If you continue practicing, you could become an accomplished pianist.
You must study consistently if you aim to become an expert in your field.
The caterpillar will eventually become a butterfly, completing its life cycle.
After countless hours of dedicated research and experiments, the medical student realized she was about to become a pioneer in a revolutionary treatment, opening the door to innovative healing methods worldwide.
While he initially struggled with public speaking, his persistent efforts and willingness to learn allowed him to become a sought-after keynote speaker at prominent international conferences.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To come into a new state, role, or identity over time“Become” is commonly used when someone or something transitions from one state or status to another. You might say, “She became a doctor after years of study,” highlighting the progression from student to professional. It also describes personal changes or the development of characteristics: “Over time, he has become more confident.” Often paired with adjectives or nouns, “become” emphasizes how a person or object shifts into that descriptor—whether physically, emotionally, or status-wise. To employ it correctly, pick the tense that aligns with your timeline: “I am becoming happier” suggests an ongoing process, while “They became successful” notes a completed transformation in the past. You’ll also see it used with more abstract changes, such as “The discussion became more complicated,” signifying a shift in complexity. Because “become” focuses on the transition itself, make sure your sentence clarifies the change at hand—like who or what is shifting and in what way. This clarity helps your listener or reader grasp the before-and-after states of the subject.
Alternatives
When searching for synonyms or related expressions to diversify your language around transitions, consider words like “grow,” “turn into,” or “evolve.” Saying, “He grew more assertive over time,” highlights gradual progress in personality. “Turn into” often appears in more literal or casual shifts—such as “That caterpillar turned into a butterfly.” “Evolve” suggests a more extended, perhaps even organic or systemic development—like “The plan evolved into a full-blown strategy.” For roles or statuses, “come to be” might fit well: “She came to be the department head after several promotions.” If you need a more formal tone—especially in academic or professional contexts—you might opt for phrases like “progress toward,” “transform,” or “advance into.” Each choice carries a subtle flavor: “transform” implies a dramatic change, while “advance into” frames the shift as a positive step forward. By mixing these alternatives—“grow,” “turn into,” “come to be,” “evolve,” “transform”—you’ll keep your writing or speech varied, conveying both the nature and the extent of the shift without repeatedly relying on “become.”
Writing
In formal or academic writing, “become” signals transformation or progression, allowing you to describe how someone or something changes. If you’re discussing historical periods, for instance, you could note, “During the Renaissance, Florence became a major center of arts and commerce.” This usage positions Florence’s shift in status as a key historical development. In analytical essays, “become” can illustrate evolving perspectives: “Over time, the policy became a point of contention among lawmakers.” To maintain clarity, tie “become” to specific variables, events, or contexts—indicating when, why, and how the transformation occurred. Instead of simply stating “He became famous,” you could refine it: “He became famous in the early 2000s due to his groundbreaking research.” Although “become” remains a useful verb, variety in your language enhances engagement. Words like “matured,” “shifted,” or “adapted” might convey nuances in tone or direction. Use “become” judiciously for clear, succinct references to change, ensuring the sentence structure around it explains what triggered the transformation and what new state or role emerged.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “become” is a straightforward way to talk about personal changes, career shifts, or new interests. A simple statement like, “I’ve become a fan of that TV series,” lets friends know you’ve recently taken to watching and enjoying it. You might say, “He became really outgoing after he started college,” suggesting a notable personality development. When chatting about career aspirations, phrases like “I want to become a teacher” or “She’s hoping to become a certified yoga instructor” feel natural and to the point. If you’re discussing friendships or relationships, you might mention, “We became close friends after traveling together,” indicating that a shared experience led to a stronger bond. Even lighthearted examples—like someone “becoming addicted to coffee”—show how “become” tracks gradual changes in habits. By pairing “become” with casual terms—“He became so chill,” “She’s become super enthusiastic about cooking”—you get across both the before-and-after states, keeping the conversation breezy while still conveying a clear sense of transition or growth.
Etymology
The verb “become” springs from Old English’s “becuman,” originally meaning “to come to,” “to arrive,” or “to happen.” Over time, this evolved to encompass the idea of transitioning into a new state or condition. As Middle English and Early Modern English shaped the language we know today, “become” retained its core notion of shifting from one status to another. Linguistic influences from Germanic languages helped solidify “become” as the primary term to denote change into something else—a role, state, or identity. It remained relatively stable through centuries of English development, even as countless other words arrived from Latin and French. The fact that “become” persists in a form close to its Old English root highlights its fundamental function in the language: humans constantly discuss change and growth, whether personal, societal, or natural. This sense of moving forward or evolving resonates across countless topics, ensuring “become” remains central to how we describe transformation in everyday speech, literature, and beyond.
