Becoming

/bɪˈkʌmɪŋ/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonChange
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To develop into; to grow into; to change into.

/bɪˈkʌmɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
Change

Gradually developing into something

The caterpillar is becoming a butterfly.

💡 Simply: Getting to be; changing into.

More Examples

2

The city is becoming more crowded.

How It's Used

General

"The weather is becoming colder."

Personal Development

"She's becoming a more confident speaker."

2

Suitable or appropriate; enhancing someone's appearance.

/bɪˈkʌmɪŋ/

adjectivepositiveIntermediate
Appearance

Suitable or appropriate

That dress is very becoming on you.

💡 Simply: Looking good on; suitable; fitting.

More Examples

2

Such rude behavior is unbecoming of a student.

How It's Used

Fashion

"That color is becoming to her."

Social

"His behavior is not becoming of a gentleman."

Tip:Think of something 'becoming' as making someone or something look better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

From the verb 'to become', itself from Old English *becoman, from *be- + *cuman "to come". It reflects a gradual development from a sense of 'coming into existence' to its present wider uses.

Historically, 'becoming' has been used more frequently in formal written contexts.

Memory tip

Think of 'becoming' as something that happens over time, like becoming an adult.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to come to be"

becomingly dressedbecoming a habit

Common misspellings

becommingbecaming

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written