Definition of become

Short definition: The word Become means to start being something different over time, such as a new role, feeling, or condition. People use it to describe personal change, growth, or the process of turning into something new.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word become? The word become is commonly used when we talk about change—when someone or something slowly turns into a different state, role, or condition over time. It can describe personal growth, emotional shifts, career changes, or even simple daily transformations, like when the weather becomes warmer or a hobby becomes a passion. In everyday life, become is closely connected to progress, learning, and the idea that nothing stays exactly the same forever. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, real-life way with long examples that sound natural in everyday conversations.

Verb forms: become, becomes, becoming, became, become
Related: becoming adj.
Syllable: be-come

1. To start to be in a different state, condition, or situation.
   As the months passed, the small hobby slowly became a serious business, and what started as weekend fun turned into a full-time career.
   The quiet town has become much busier in recent years, with new cafés, shops, and visitors changing the feeling of the place.
   After a few honest conversations, their awkward friendship became more relaxed, making it easier for them to talk about anything without feeling uncomfortable.

   Synonyms: turn into, grow into, change into, develop into, transform into, evolve into, shift into, progress to, come to be, end up as, transition into, move into
   Antonyms: stay the same, remain unchanged, keep status quo, hold steady, freeze in place, stay put, remain fixed, never change, resist change, stay constant, be unaltered, stand still

2. To begin to have a particular feeling, quality, or way of thinking.
   After many small disappointments, he slowly became more careful about trusting people, choosing to open up only when he felt truly safe.
   She became confident in speaking English, not because she was perfect, but because she practiced every day without fear of mistakes.
   Over time, the children became curious about the world, asking endless questions that made even simple things feel exciting again.

   Synonyms: grow to be, turn into, come to feel, develop into, take on, adopt, acquire, gain, grow more, evolve emotionally, build up, learn to be
   Antonyms: lose interest, stay indifferent, remain unchanged inside, keep old feelings, drop enthusiasm, resist growth, stay cold, hold back emotions, remain distant, avoid change, stay the same inside, never develop

3. To start to have a new role, job, or social position.
   After years of hard work, she finally became the manager of the team, proving that patience and effort really do pay off.
   He became a father at a young age, and the responsibility completely changed the way he looked at life.
   Many students dream of becoming doctors, not just for success, but to make a real difference in other people’s lives.

   Synonyms: take on a role, step into, assume a position, rise to, move into a role, achieve status, gain a title, be appointed as, grow into a role, reach a position, earn a role, become appointed
   Antonyms: step down, resign from, leave a role, quit a position, lose status, give up a title, drop out of, fall from position, be removed from office, step aside, withdraw from role, give up responsibility

4. To begin to belong to or be part of something.
   Over time, the small idea became part of the company’s culture, shaping the way everyone worked together every day.
   That old song became a symbol of their friendship, reminding them of good times whenever they heard it again.
   What started as a simple habit became an important tradition in their family, bringing everyone closer at the end of each week.

   Synonyms: turn into part of, grow into, integrate into, merge with, join as, become included in, blend into, take part in, attach to, become associated with, be absorbed into, become connected to
   Antonyms: separate from, detach from, break away from, stand apart, stay outside, be excluded from, remain independent of, keep distance from, disconnect from, pull away from, stay separate, cut ties with

5. (Formal) To suit or look good on someone.
   That calm blue color really becomes her, making her look more confident and comfortable.
   The simple hairstyle became him better than anything flashy, giving him a natural and professional appearance.
   Even casual clothes can become you, as long as you wear them with confidence and a relaxed attitude.

   Synonyms: suit, look good on, flatter, enhance appearance of, complement, match well, fit nicely, bring out the best in, be fitting for, suit well, add charm to, highlight features of
   Antonyms: clash with, look bad on, mismatch, fail to suit, detract from appearance, look awkward on, spoil the look of, make look worse, not fit well, be unsuitable for, conflict with style, look wrong on