becoming
B2Formal/Adjective, Common/Verb form (gerund)
Definition
Meaning
Suitable, attractive, or flattering; appropriate to one's appearance or status. Also, the process of coming into existence.
As an adjective: enhancing one's appearance; fitting. As a gerund/noun (from the verb 'become'): the process of change or development into something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The adjective is formal and somewhat old-fashioned, often related to propriety or visual harmony. The gerund/noun is neutral and denotes a process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The adjective 'becoming' is more commonly used in British English, though still formal. The gerund usage is equally common in both.
Connotations
UK: Slightly more associated with traditional notions of propriety and elegance. US: When used, often carries a slightly literary or refined tone.
Frequency
The adjective is low-frequency in both variants, with slightly higher occurrence in UK written texts. The gerund is high-frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[It is/was] becoming (for somebody) to INFSomething is becoming on/to somebodyThe becoming of somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not in common idiomatic use for the adjective]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in phrases like 'becoming a leader in the market' (gerund).
Academic
Used in philosophical/sociological contexts: 'the becoming of identity'.
Everyday
Mostly used as the gerund of 'become': 'I remember becoming a parent.' The adjective is rare in casual speech.
Technical
In philosophy (e.g., 'being and becoming'), in fashion/design commentary.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is becoming a brilliant surgeon.
- The weather is becoming rather unpredictable.
American English
- He's becoming a real expert in cybersecurity.
- It's becoming clear we need a new strategy.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is becoming a teacher.
- I am becoming hungry.
- She is becoming more confident every day.
- Becoming a doctor takes many years.
- The dark blue dress was very becoming against her fair skin.
- They discussed the country's becoming a republic.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A dress that is BECOMING makes it seem like it was MADE FOR YOU (be-coming = coming to be right for you).
Conceptual Metaphor
APPROPRIATENESS IS A GOOD FIT (for the adjective). CHANGE IS A JOURNEY/TRANSFORMATION (for the gerund).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not directly translate the adjective as "становящийся" (which is for the verb). The adjective means "идущий" (об одежде), "подобающий".
- The gerund "becoming" is best translated as "становление" or the verbal adverb "становясь".
Common Mistakes
- Using the adjective to mean 'getting more' (e.g., 'It's becoming cold' is correct as a verb phrase, not an adjective).
- Confusing 'becoming' with 'fitting' in all contexts – 'becoming' is primarily visual/propriety.
- Overusing the adjective in modern, informal contexts where 'flattering' or 'suitable' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'becoming' used as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The gerund/noun form (e.g., 'the process of becoming') is common. The adjective meaning 'flattering' is formal and less frequent in everyday speech.
Yes, but formally. It describes behaviour appropriate to one's status (e.g., 'becoming modesty'). It's less about inherent character and more about the propriety of actions.
'Becoming' means suitable or flattering. 'Unbecoming' means not appropriate, especially for one's position or character, and is more commonly used than 'becoming' (e.g., 'conduct unbecoming of an officer').
Yes, the adjective has comparative and superlative forms: 'more becoming', 'most becoming'. Example: 'Of the two outfits, the blue one is more becoming.'
Collections
Part of a collection
Philosophical Vocabulary
C2 · 44 words · Technical terms used in academic philosophy.