BECOME

Definition of BECOME

BECOME Verb

The word become is a verb that refers to the process of changing into a particular state, condition, or form. It denotes the transition from one state of being to another and is often used to describe personal, situational, or transformational changes over time. Become is versatile and can be used in various contexts to indicate growth, development, or the process of transformation.

Transition and Change: At its core, become expresses the idea of transition or change. For example, “He will become a doctor after years of study” highlights the process of transforming from one state (a student) to another (a professional doctor). It can also indicate a shift in attributes, conditions, or qualities. “The weather has become colder” refers to a change in environmental conditions, signaling a movement from warmth to chill.

Personal Development: In the context of personal development, become is frequently used to describe someone’s evolution in terms of skill, character, or status. For instance, “She has become more confident over the years” indicates an internal transformation, moving from a less confident state to a more self-assured one. It can also be used to reflect the progression of an individual’s roles in life, such as “He hopes to become a better person” or “She has become a leader in her community.” This use of become emphasizes the ongoing nature of personal growth.

Social and Cultural Expectations: Become can also be used to describe how a person or thing fits into societal expectations or roles. For example, “He has become the face of the brand” speaks to an individual’s rise to prominence in a particular role, highlighting the external recognition and achievement. In this sense, become is associated with social recognition, adaptation, or achievement within a given context, such as a career or cultural expectation.

State of Being: Become is often used to describe the transition into a state of being. It can signify an external or internal shift that is a direct result of actions or circumstances. For example, “She has become ill” indicates a transformation from a healthy state to one of sickness. Similarly, “The situation has become more complicated” shows a transition from simplicity to complexity. Here, become signals that the change is noteworthy or significant.

Change in Appearance or Nature: The word become is also used to describe a change in appearance or nature, often indicating improvement, decline, or development. For example, “The house has become more beautiful with renovations” suggests that a transformation has taken place in the house’s physical appearance. Similarly, “His attitude has become more positive” refers to a change in someone’s demeanor or outlook on life.

Potential and Future Possibilities: In many instances, become conveys potential or future possibilities. For example, “He will become a great artist” speaks to the expected future transformation of someone into a successful or renowned figure. This usage indicates that the process of change is in progress or anticipated to take place in the future, often based on current or past actions, abilities, or potential.

Causation and Result: Become is also used to reflect causation, where something triggers a change or transformation. For instance, “The stress has become unbearable” suggests that the accumulation of stress has led to a heightened state of discomfort or crisis. This indicates that the change (the unbearable nature of stress) is a result of the underlying causes (stressors or pressures).

Metaphorical and Figurative Use: In some contexts, become is used metaphorically or figuratively to describe non-literal transformations. For example, “He became a legend in his field” does not necessarily mean that the person literally changed, but rather that they acquired a reputation or status that elevates them in the minds of others. Similarly, “The story has become an urban legend” signifies a cultural shift or reinterpretation of an event into something larger than life or extraordinary.

In conclusion, the verb become is central to expressing processes of change, transformation, and development in both personal and external contexts. Whether referring to a shift in one’s role, state, appearance, or situation, become captures the dynamic nature of change. From describing personal growth, like becoming more confident, to illustrating external changes, such as the weather or societal roles, become is a versatile verb that helps convey the fluidity of time and transformation. It highlights the movement from one state to another, whether in a physical, emotional, or social sense, making it a key element in both everyday language and more abstract discussions of change.

Examples of BECOME in a sentence

• She wants to become a doctor when she grows up.
• Over time, the small town has become a bustling city.
• The debate started to become heated as both sides refused to back down.
• He trained every day to become a professional athlete.
• The situation could become dangerous if we don’t act quickly.
• After years of dedication, she has become an expert in her field.
• The abandoned house will become a museum after the renovations are complete.
• With practice, learning a new language can become easier over time.

Origin of BECOME

The term become has a rich etymological and grammatical history, evolving in both meaning and usage over centuries. It plays a crucial role in expressing transformation, change, and development.

Semantic Context: Become generally refers to the process of coming into existence, undergoing a change, or transitioning from one state to another. It can describe both physical and metaphorical transformations, such as a person becoming more confident, an object becoming damaged, or a situation becoming more complicated.

• Etymological Roots: The word become is derived from the Old English “becuman”, meaning “to come to or towards,” which is a combination of the prefix “be-“ (meaning “around” or “completely”) and the verb “cuman” (meaning “to come”). The Old English term was used to describe something or someone coming into a particular state or condition. Over time, it came to be used more abstractly to refer to becoming something or someone, rather than just arriving at a place.
• Historical Development: The term become has been part of the English language since at least the 9th century. In Old English, the verb’s meaning was closely linked to the concept of arrival or change. By the 12th century, the word began to take on its more modern sense of transformation or transition into a new state. Over time, its usage expanded to cover not only physical changes but also shifts in identity, status, or condition. It gradually evolved from a simple term for arrival to a verb that describes a dynamic process of change.
• Modern Usage: Today, become is used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversations to more abstract or intellectual discussions. It remains a versatile verb, used to express anything from gradual transformations (such as a person becoming skilled at something) to sudden or dramatic changes (like an area becoming a hotspot for tourism). The word is widely used in both formal and informal settings to indicate change, transition, or the process of evolving into something new.

The term become has evolved from its Old English roots meaning “to come towards” to a versatile verb that expresses transformation and change across a range of contexts. Its usage spans from everyday conversations about personal development to more abstract philosophical ideas about the ongoing process of change.