become

views updated May 23 2018

be·come / biˈkəm/ • v. (past -came; past part. -come) 1. [intr.] begin to be: they became angry it is becoming clear that we are in a totally new situation. ∎  grow to be; turn into: the child will become an adult. ∎  (of a person) qualify or be accepted as; acquire the status of: she wanted to become a doctor. ∎  (become of) (in questions) happen to: what would become of her now?2. [tr.] (of clothing) look good on or suit (someone): the dress becomes her. ∎  be appropriate or suitable to (someone): minor celebrity status did not become him.

become

views updated May 21 2018

become †come, arrive; come to be; befit. OE. becuman = MLG., (M)Du. becomen, OHG. biqueman (G. bekommen) obtain, receive, Goth. biqiman come upon; f. BE- + COME.