for

preposition

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\ fər, (ˈ)fȯr

, 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about for

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Examples of for in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition In 2018 the government pushed through cumbersome new rules for fielding candidates and raised the cost of registering. — The Economist, "Turning thuggish Benin’s democratic beacon dims," 10 Apr. 2021 Many of these female rebels were not believed, accused of sleeping their way to safety, or blamed for abandoning their families to fight. — Judy Batalion, Time, "Why the Stories of Jewish Women Who Fought the Nazis Remained Hidden for So Long," 8 Apr. 2021 He was sent to jail in March for violating the terms of his bail. — BostonGlobe.com, "Indicted Gaetz associate likely to strike plea deal with prosecutors in sex trafficking case," 8 Apr. 2021 Under the law, third-party groups are still allowed to mail absentee ballot applications, but the rules for doing so have changed. — Quinn Scanlan, ABC News, "Civic groups file lawsuit challenging absentee ballot provisions in Georgia's election law," 8 Apr. 2021 And at least one senator, moderate Democrat Joe Manchin, has expressed concerns about raising the corporate tax rate to 28%, instead advocating for raising it to 25%. — Grace Segers, CBS News, "Biden says inaction on infrastructure "simply is not an option"," 8 Apr. 2021 The package also includes $25 million for fortifying older homes that weren’t built using fire-resistance methods required during construction over the last decade. — John Myers, Los Angeles Times, "California unveils sweeping wildfire prevention plan amid record fire losses and drought," 8 Apr. 2021 Apple has touted the new software as an important step for putting privacy controls in users’ hands. — Tim Higgins, WSJ, "P&G Worked With China Trade Group on Tech to Sidestep Apple Privacy Rules," 8 Apr. 2021 He's known for starting the careers of many metro Detroit chefs. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Longtime metro Detroit chef Matt Prentice dies at 62," 8 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'for.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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, Sanskrit pra before, in front, Old English faran to go — more at fare

Prefix

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

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