becoming
UK[bɪˈkʌmɪŋ]US[bɪˈkʌmɪŋ]
adj
suitable or appropriate for a particular person or in a particular situation.
adj
(of a person's appearance or behavior) attractive; aesthetically pleasing.
Etymology
the word 'becoming' originates from the old english verb 'becuman', meaning 'to come to, arrive, happen'. this verb is a compound of the prefix 'be-', which intensifies or makes the action thorough, and 'cuman', meaning 'to come'. over time, 'become' evolved to mean 'to be suitable for, to befit'. the present participle form 'becoming' was then lexicalized as an adjective in the late 14th century, shifting from the sense of 'happening' to specifically describing that which is fitting, proper, or enhancing to one's appearance. this semantic evolution reflects a move from a general sense of occurrence to a more abstract judgment of appropriateness and aesthetic harmony.
Analysis
n/a
Examples
she wore a dress of a most becoming shade of blue.
it was not becoming for a person in his position to show such anger in public.
his modesty and sincerity are very becoming traits.