To happen or occur, especially as the result of a series of events or circumstances.
How something happened or started to exist.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To happen or develop; to occur as a result of events or circumstances.
"How did such a dramatic change in government policy come about so quickly?"
How did it come about that the most egalitarian of philosophies produced the most oppressive of regimes?
— Isaiah Berlin, 'Two Concepts of Liberty', 1958
(Nautical) For a sailing vessel to turn so that the wind comes from the opposite side.
"The skipper called out 'coming about!' as the boat swung into the wind."
Often used in questions: 'How did this come about?' Implies that the situation is the result of a process, not just a random event. Also a nautical term for a sailing vessel turning to face a different direction. The nautical sense is technical and rarely encountered outside sailing.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "come about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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