conj
because
bih-kuhz
conj
1
For the reason that; introduces an explanation or cause.
"She stayed home because she was feeling unwell."
"We left early because of the traffic forecast."
How to Use Because
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word used to give the reason for something.
Memory tip
Use "because" before a reason clause with a subject and verb ("because it rained"); use "because of" before a noun ("because of the rain").
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
because of
just because
simply because
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She stayed home _____ she was feeling unwell.
Etymology
From Middle English bi cause, literally "by cause" — a fusion of "by" and "cause" modeled on the French phrase par cause. Over time the two words merged into the single conjunction we use today.