because

Where does the word "because" come from? It comes from Latin causa, passing through Middle English before entering English (1500s).

Because’s story begins in Latin: causa meant “cause.” A cause or reason. By 1300s, the word had taken hold in Middle English as bi cause. 'by cause', modelled on French 'par cause'. It reached English by 1500s as because. The two words fused; ''cause' and 'cos' are later clippings. Today, because means for the reason that.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient causa "cause", a cause or reason.
2. Stage 2 · Middle English · 1300s bi cause "by reason", 'by cause', modelled on French 'par cause'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s because "for the reason that", the two words fused; ''cause' and 'cos' are later clippings.