become of: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "become of" is a commonly used phrase in English. Its origins date back to the late 16th century, and it has since become a well-recognized idiom in modern American English. While its exact origin remains uncertain, its meaning has evolved over time to encompass various connotations and interpretations.

One way in which the idiom is frequently used is to inquire about the fate or outcome of something or someone. For example, one might ask, "What has become of our old high school friends?" This usage expresses a curiosity about the current status or whereabouts of those individuals. It reflects a desire to know what has happened or is happening to a particular person or thing.

Another aspect of the idiom is its ability to convey a sense of change or transformation. When we use the phrase "become of," we are alluding to the process or result of a certain development. For instance, someone might say, "I wonder what will become of this project." In this case, the idiom implies a level of uncertainty or anticipation regarding the project's future outcome or state.

The idiom "become of" also tends to have a slightly formal or literary tone, which may be attributed to its origins in the past. Its usage is more commonly found in written texts or in speech that aims for a more sophisticated or cultured tone. This aspect further emphasizes its association with the rich historical and literary heritage of the English language.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the idiom has no specific regional or cultural limitations within the United States. It is widely used and understood across various English-speaking territories and communities. As a result, it has become an integral part of the language, contributing to its richness and versatility.

In addition to the idiom "become of," there are other idioms that are related to it. These idioms include "turn into," "come of age," "go the way of," "come into being," and "come down to." Each of these idioms conveys a unique meaning and can be used in different contexts.

The idiom "turn into" is often used when something or someone undergoes a transformation or change. It suggests a shift from one state or condition to another. For example, one might say, "The caterpillar turned into a butterfly." In this case, the idiom highlights the metamorphosis that occurred.

Similarly, the idiom "come of age" is used to describe the process of reaching maturity or adulthood. It signifies the transition from youth to adulthood. For instance, one might say, "When he turned 18, he came of age and became eligible to vote." This idiom emphasizes the milestone of becoming an adult.

The idiom "go the way of" is used when something follows a similar path or fate as another thing or person. It suggests a comparable outcome or result. For example, one might say, "Many traditional bookstores have gone the way of online retailers." This idiom highlights the trend of traditional bookstores closing down due to competition from online sellers.

The idiom "come into being" is used to describe the process of something coming into existence or being created. It signifies the birth or creation of something new. For instance, one might say, "The idea for the new product came into being during a brainstorming session." This idiom emphasizes the origin or beginning of something.

Lastly, the idiom "come down to" is used when something can be simplified or summarized into a single point or issue. It signifies the essence or fundamental aspect of a situation. For example, one might say, "The negotiation ultimately came down to a disagreement over pricing." This idiom highlights the core issue or factor at play.

To sum up, the idiom "become of" has various meanings and applications. It can be used to inquire about the fate or outcome of something or someone, convey a sense of change or transformation, and add a formal or literary touch to speech or writing. Additionally, there are related idioms such as "turn into," "come of age," "go the way of," "come into being," and "come down to" that offer different perspectives and expressions. These idioms contribute to the richness and versatility of the English language, inviting further exploration and interpretation.