1 for- | Definition of for-
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

for

preposition
\ fər, (ˈ)fȯr How to pronounce for (audio) , Southern also (ˈ)fär\

Definition of for

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1a —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 homeacted 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 restrun for your lifean eye for a bargain
2a : 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 chooseready for action
5a : 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
8a —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

for

conjunction

Definition of for (Entry 2 of 5)

: for the reason that : on this ground : because

for

abbreviation (1)

Definition of for (Entry 3 of 5)

1 foreign
2 forestry

FOR

abbreviation (2)

Definition of FOR (Entry 4 of 5)

free on rail

for-

prefix

Definition of for- (Entry 5 of 5)

1 : so as to involve prohibition, exclusion, omission, failure, neglect, or refusal forbid
2 : destructively or detrimentally fordo
3 : completely : excessively : to exhaustion : to pieces forspent
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about for

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of for in a Sentence

Conjunction

 the bill should be listed as paid, for I mailed it in on time

First Known Use of for

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Conjunction

12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for for

Preposition and Conjunction

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

Prefix

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German far- for-, Old English for

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for for

for

preposition
How to pronounce for- (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of for

—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

See the full definition for for in the English Language Learners Dictionary

for

preposition
\ fər How to pronounce for (audio) , ˈfȯr\

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!