become
- 01 A1 Beginner
to start to be something or to change into something else.
to come to be or undergo a change in state, character, or condition. Functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective or noun phrase.
Simple“The weather became very cold as soon as the sun went down.”
In context“After years of dedicated research and clinical practice, she eventually became a leading expert in the field of pediatric neurology.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to look attractive on someone or to suit their style.
to be aesthetically pleasing or attractive on a person. Transitive; the person being complemented is the direct object.
Simple“That shade of dark blue really becomes you.”
In context“The diplomat's reserved manner became him well, lending an air of quiet authority to his opening remarks.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
to be the right or proper way for someone to behave.
to be appropriate, proper, or befitting to a person or social role.
Simple“It does not become a student to be so rude to a teacher.”
In context“Such aggressive outbursts do not become a person of your professional standing and reputation.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is often used in the negative ('it does not become you') to criticize someone's behavior as beneath their dignity.
Synonymsbefitsuit
Linking verb — followed by a noun phrase or an adjective. It is never used in the passive voice.
Become is followed directly by a noun or adjective; it does not take an infinitive like 'to be'.
Usage become part · become one · become less
A compound of the sources of be- + come. From Middle English becomen, bicumen, from Old English becuman (“to come (to), approach, arrive, enter, meet with, fall in with; happen, befall; befit”), from Proto-Germanic *bikwemaną (“to come around, come about, come across, come by”), equivalent to be- (“about, around”) + come. Cognate with Scots becum (“to come, arrive, reach a destination”), North Frisian bekommen, bykommen (“to come by, obtain, receive”), West Frisian bikomme (“to come by, obtain, receive”), Dutch bekomen (“to come by, obtain, receive”), German bekommen (“to get, receive, obtain”), Swedish bekomma (“to receive, concern”), Gothic 𐌱𐌹𐌵𐌹𐌼𐌰𐌽 (biqiman, “to come upon one, befall”). Sense of "befit, suit" due to influence from Middle English cweme, icweme, see queem. Displaced Old English weorþan.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.