for

¹for

preposition \fər, (ˈ)fȯr, Southern also (ˈ)fär\

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>

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with FOR

birr, blur, burr, Burr, chirr, churr, cur, curr, err, fir, fur, her, knur, murre, myrrh, per, purr, shirr, sir, skirr, slur, spur, stir, thir, whir, your

²for

conjunction

Definition of FOR

: for the reason that : on this ground : because

Examples of FOR

1. <the bill should be listed as paid, for I mailed it in on time>

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

Definition of FOR

free on rail

Other Transportation Terms

camber, corduroy, demurrage, milestone