Becomings

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

  1. A series of processes or transformations leading to a new state or condition
  2. The act of undergoing change or development, defining one’s evolution over time
  3. An ongoing journey of growth and identity formation through various experiences and circumstances

Etymology: The term “becomings” is a plural form derived from the verb “become,” which itself has a history stretching back several centuries in English. “Become” entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century, borrowing from Old English “becuman,” meaning “to come to,” “arrive,” or “happen.” The Old English verb combined the prefix “be-,” a common intensifier or causative element, with “cuman,” meaning “to come.” Thus, it originally carried a sense of arriving at a state or condition. Over time, “become” grew to signify more than physical arrival; it came to express the process of changing into or developing into something else. This shift turned it into a key verb for expressing transformation and change, both literal and abstract. The noun form “becoming,” appearing later, captures this ongoing process or state of change. It is often used in philosophy and literary theory to discuss flux, transformation, and the dynamic nature of existence. The plural “becomings” naturally extends this concept to multiple instances or types of changes and transformations. While the singular “becoming” can describe a general state or process, the plural emphasizes distinct events or forms of change. This usage, though less common in everyday speech, finds a place in academic and poetic contexts where nuanced distinctions about processes and states are important. In sum, the roots of the word reflect a journey from a simple notion of “coming to” or “arriving” to a more abstract and philosophical concept of transformation and change. The plural form carries forward this richness, indicating multiple developments or evolutions, building on a history of language that has long sought to capture the fluid, unfolding nature of being.