Come about Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use Often used to discuss intangible events, like changes in emotions or situations. The reconciliation between them came about after years of tension. Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Events Use 'come about' for events that were unplanned or surprising. He didn't know how the argument came about; it was unexpected. Pro Tip 3/3Questioning Origins Commonly used in questions to inquire about how something began or occurred. Can you explain how this situation came about?