Definition of "become" in English

verb

1. (copulative, rather formal, followed by an adjective or a noun) begin to be; turn into (often with permanent states).

   • Near-synonyms: get, turn, go, come, fall, grow, wax
   • She became a doctor when she was 25.
   • The weather will become cold after the sun goes down.
   • The sense ‘state or process of bearing fruit’ has become imposed on fruition as the 20c. proceeded.

2. (intransitive, archaic other than in become of) To come about; happen; come into being; arise.

   • What became of him after he was let go?
   • It hath becomen so that many a man had to sterve.

3. (transitive) To be appropriate for.

   • It doesn’t become a true gentleman to speak in such a manner.
   • 1892, Ambrose Bierce, “The Applicant,” in The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce, Volume II: In the Midst of Life (Tales of Soldiers and Civilians), New York: Gordian Press, 1966, He was hatted, booted, overcoated, and umbrellaed, as became a person who was about to expose himself to the night and the storm on an errand of charity […]

4. (transitive) Of an adornment, piece of clothing etc.: to look attractive on (someone).

   • That dress really becomes you.

5. (intransitive, obsolete) To arrive, come (to a place).