# became

/biˈkeɪm/ (US) · /bɪkˈeɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/became
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. changed into

verb · CEFR A1

the past tense of 'become'. You use it to say that someone or something changed into something else.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. past participle (non-standard)

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Dialect

a form of 'become' used after 'have' or 'has' in some informal or regional speaking.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The weather became very cold during the night.
- After years of hard work and study, she finally became a licensed doctor.
- The small coastal village became a bustling tourist destination almost overnight following the construction of the new highway.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.