Word
became
Phoneticsbe·came, stress on the second syllable
US/biˈkeɪm/
UK/bɪkˈeɪm/
Definitions
01changed into
A1 · Beginner
v. the past tense of 'become'. You use it to say that someone or something changed into something else.
v. the simple past tense of 'become'. It functions as a linking verb to describe a completed transition into a new state or identity.
“After years of hard work, she finally became a professional pilot.”
“The small coastal village became a bustling tourist destination almost overnight following the completion of the new highway.”
Pitfall
He has became a doctor.
He has become a doctor.
In standard English, 'became' is only for the simple past. Use 'become' after 'have', 'has', or 'had'.
Synonyms
02past participle (non-standard)
C1 · Advanced Informal · Dialect
v. a form of 'become' used after 'have' or 'has' in some informal or regional speaking.
v. the past participle of 'become' in certain non-standard or colloquial dialects. In standard English, the past participle is 'become'.
“He said he had became tired of waiting for the bus.”
“In some regional dialects, speakers might say they have 'became' accustomed to the noise, though 'become' remains the standard form in writing.”
Usage
Used as a past participle in place of 'become' in specific regional varieties of English.
Real-World Examples
“As pumpkin spice latte season reaches its peak, Chipotle’s former boss Brian Niccol—who became CEO of Starbucks just over two years ago—said the global coffee chain has successfully returned to its roots.” “Situational Awareness, a once hot A.I.-focused hedge fund led by a 24-year-old, became the talk of Wall Street when it nearly imploded late last month.” “How a Brazilian meat tycoon accused of bribery and deforestation became a key player in regional diplomacy” “Dr. Hinton said he has quit his job at Google, where he has worked for more than a decade and became one of the most respected voices in the field, so he can freely speak out about the risks of A.I.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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