First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1for
preposition \fər, (ˈ)fȯr, Southern also (ˈ)fär\
—used to indicate the place someone or something is going to or toward
—used to indicate the person or thing that something is sent or given to
—used to indicate the thing that something is meant to be used with
Full Definition of FOR
1
a —used as a function word to indicate purpose <a grant for studying medicine> b —used as a function word to indicate an intended goal <left for home> <acted for the best> c —used as a function word to indicate the object or recipient of a perception, desire, or activity <now for a good rest> <run for your life> <an eye for a bargain>
2
a : as being or constituting <taken for a fool> <eggs for breakfast> b —used as a function word to indicate an actual or implied enumeration or selection <for one thing, the price is too high>
3
: because of <can't sleep for the heat>
4
—used as a function word to indicate suitability or fitness <it is not for you to choose> <ready for action>
5
a : in place of <go to the store for me> b (1) : on behalf of : representing <speaks for the court> (2) : in favor of <all for the plan>
6
: in spite of —usually used with all <for all his large size, he moves gracefully>
7
: with respect to : concerning <a stickler for detail> <heavy for its size>
8
a —used as a function word to indicate equivalence in exchange <$10 for a hat>, equality in number or quantity <point for point>, or correspondence or correlation <for every one that works, you'll find five that don't> b —used as a function word to indicate number of attempts <0 for 4>
9
—used as a function word to indicate duration of time or extent of space <gone for two days>
10
: in honor of : after <named for her grandmother>
See for defined for English-language learners
See for defined for kids
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Origin of FOR
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Latin per through, prae before, pro before, for, ahead, Greek pro, Old English faran to go — more at fare
2for
conjunction
Definition of FOR
: for the reason that : on this ground : because
See for defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FOR
12th century
Related to FOR
- Synonyms
- as, as long as, because, being (as or as how or that) [chiefly dialect], 'cause, considering, since, inasmuch as, now, seeing, whereas
3for
abbreviation
Definition of FOR
1
foreign
2
forestry
FOR
abbreviation
FOR Defined for Kids
1for
preposition \fər, ˈfȯr\
Definition of FOR for Kids
1
: by way of getting ready <Did you wash up for supper?>
2
: toward the goal or purpose of <I'm studying for the test.> <I've saved for a new bike.>
3
: in order to reach <She left for home.>
4
: as being <eggs for breakfast> <Do you take me for a fool?>
5
: because of <They cried for joy.>
6
—used to show who or what is to receive something <There's a letter for you.>
7
: in order to help, serve, or defend <Let me hold that for you.> <They fought for their country.>
8
: directed at : against <a cure for cancer>
9
: in exchange as equal to <How much for a ticket?>
10
: with regard to : concerning <a talent for music>
11
: taking into account <You're tall for your age.>
12
: through the period of <He slept for ten hours.>
13
: to a distance of <You can see for miles.>
14
: suitable to <It is not for you to choose.>
15
: in favor of <I voted for her.>
16
: in place of or on behalf of <I speak for the group.>
17
: 2after 5 <He was named for his father.>
2for
conjunction
Definition of FOR for Kids
: because <I know you did it, for I saw you.>
Learn More About FOR
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