became

The weather became much warmer.

Definition

1. Verb (past tense of ):
   • To come to be: "became" indicates a change or transition into a new state, condition, or role. It is the simple past tense form, used for completed actions or changes.

     • She became a doctor after years of study. (She transitioned into the role of a doctor.)
   • To begin to be: It describes the start of a new quality, appearance, or situation.

     • The sky became dark as the storm approached. (The sky changed to a darker state.)

Usage Examples

• (He transitioned into a state of sickness.)
• (The insect changed into a new form.)
• (They started a friendship.)
• (She developed a new characteristic.)

Advanced Usage

• "became of": Used in questions or clauses to ask about the fate or outcome of someone or something.

  • What became of the old house after they moved? (What happened to the old house?)
  • I wonder what became of my childhood friend. (I wonder what happened to him.)

• "became known as": To begin to be recognized or called by a particular name.

  • The small village became known as a tourist destination. (It acquired a new reputation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Become (base form verb): The infinitive and present tense form.
  • He wants to become a pilot. (He desires to transition into that role.)
• Becoming (present participle/adjective): That which is suitable or attractive.
  • Her new haircut is very becoming. (It suits her well.)
• Become (past participle): Used in perfect tenses.
  • She has become very successful. (She has transitioned into a successful state.)

Synonyms

• Turn into: to change into something else.
  • The water turned into ice. (It became ice.)
• Grow to be: to develop gradually into a state.
  • He grew to be a kind person. (He became kind over time.)
• Come to be: to eventually reach a state.
  • She came to be known as an expert. (She became known as an expert.)

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly with "became": The word "became" is the past tense of "become" and does not form standard phrasal verbs. However, "become of" (see Advanced Usage) is a fixed expression.

Related Idioms

• Become second nature: to become so familiar that it is done without thinking.
  • Driving became second nature to her after a few months. (It became automatic.)
• Become a reality: to change from a dream or plan into something real.
  • His dream of owning a house became a reality. (It came true.)
• Become one: to unite or merge into a single entity.
  • The two companies became one after the merger. (They combined.)