Word Study: become
Meaning & Etymology
Meaning: To begin to be or turn into something different; to happen; to be suitable or proper for. Originally a compound ofbe- (meaning “about, around”) and come (from Old English bēon, “to be”). First used in English around the 12th century.
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /bɪˈkʌm/, /bəˈkʌm/ (stress on second syllable)
- US IPA: /bɪˈkʌm/, /biˈkʌm/, /bəˈkʌm/
- Key sound: Similar to “buh-CUM”
Morphology & Grammar
Grammar Notes:
- Verb: Can be both transitive and intransitive
- Conjugation: becomes – becoming – became – become/(rare)comen
- Archaic forms: In Early Modern English, becomest (you become) and becamest (you became) were used
Usage & Examples
Common Uses:
- Copulative: Begin to be; turn into…
- Event: Happen or come into being…
- Suitability: Be proper for something…
Examples:
- Simple: The caterpillar became a butterfly.
- Medium: War became inevitable after the ultimatum.
- Complex: His demeanor became more stern, as if he had b汲取 a new responsibility.
Synonyms & Collocations
Strong Synonyms: suit, beseem, fit, accord
Related Collocations:
- Become to + noun: It doesn’t become a leader to lie.
- Become of: Wonder what becomes of old friends?
Learning Tips
- Mnemonic: Imagine something “coming” from “be-” (being) to “become” different
- Pattern 1: “It + become + adjective” (Example: “It became cold”)
- Pattern 2: “[Something] becomes [someone]” (Example: “He became president”)
- Avoid Confusion: Get vs. bstarts but never use b汲取i’ll replace with ‘become’ Spanish