What does becoming mean?
Becoming functions primarily as an adjective meaning flattering or suitable: something that is becoming enhances the wearer's or bearer's appearance or dignity, as when a color or hairstyle is said to be becoming on someone. A second, slightly formal sense describes conduct or demeanor as proper and appropriate—a person may bear hardship with becoming modesty, or it may be deemed not becoming of an official to behave rudely. Both senses derive from the verb 'become,' through the idea of one thing suitably 'coming to' another. The word also survives as a noun in philosophy, where 'being and becoming' names the contrast between static existence and continuous change, a theme central to Heraclitus and later to Hegelian thought. In everyday speech, 'becoming' leans toward the complimentary and somewhat genteel register, making it a graceful alternative to blunter words like 'flattering.' Its antonym, 'unbecoming,' is equally established and commonly applied to improper behavior.
(Of clothing, a style, or an appearance) flattering; looking attractive on a person.
"Her new haircut was surprisingly becoming."
Usually used predicatively: 'is/looks/was becoming on someone.'
(Of behavior or manner) appropriate, proper, or fitting, especially with regard to a person's rank or character.
"He thanked his hosts with becoming humility."
The process of coming into being or undergoing change; in philosophy, the state of continual transition as opposed to fixed being.
"For Heraclitus, all things are in a constant state of becoming."
Chiefly used in philosophical and academic contexts.
The same word can praise your dress and describe a queen's dignity—'becoming' has been quietly flattering English speakers since the 1600s.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of becoming
Becoming originates as the present participle of the Middle English verb 'becomen' (to come to, to arrive at, hence to suit), formed from Old English roots 'be-' plus 'cuman' ('to come'), a common Germanic verb with cognates throughout Germanic languages (German 'kommen,' Dutch 'komen'). The adjectival sense of 'flattering or suitable' developed by the early seventeenth century from the older sense 'fitting, appropriate.' It shares its ultimate root with other 'come'-based compounds such as 'income,' 'forthcoming,' and 'upcoming,' though these are compounds rather than direct derivatives.
Related word forms
How becoming is actually used
'Becoming' in its flattering sense is most often applied to garments, hairstyles, and colors, and typically appears after linking verbs ('is', 'looks', 'was'). In its sense of 'proper' or 'seemly,' it carries a slightly formal, old-fashioned tone and is frequently used with negative constructions ('it is not becoming...'). The word also functions as a noun in philosophical contexts (the process of change), but this use is largely restricted to academic writing about Hegel, Heraclitus, and process philosophy.
Easily confused with becoming
'Becoming' means flattering or appropriate, while 'unbecoming' means the opposite—unflattering or inappropriate for a person's dignity.