for

1 of 5

preposition

fər,

(ˈ)fȯr 

 Southern also  (ˈ)fär

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

for

2 of 5

conjunction

: for the reason that : on this ground : because

for

3 of 5

abbreviation (1)

1

foreign

2

forestry

FOR

4 of 5

abbreviation (2)

free on rail

for-

5 of 5

prefix

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

Conjunction

• because
• seeing
• now
• since

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

And unlike pricier Dyson or Shark models, this lightweight powerhouse covers all the same bases for $150—now 25% off ahead of Black Friday. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025

Finding the right toiletry bag for your next trip is as important as buying a reliable carry-on or a hassle-free backpack. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. —Jillian Frankel, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

Moore’s journey reveals how Black Nationalism emerged not simply as a rejection of American ideals, but as a demand for their true fulfillment. —Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

Preposition

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

Conjunction

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for for

• boar
• boer
• bore
• chore
• cor
• core
• corps
• crore
• door
• drawer
• floor
• flor

Kids Definition

for

1 of 2 preposition

fər 

(ˈ)fȯ(ə)r

1

—used to indicate a purpose

money for lunch

, an intended goal

left for work

, or an object of one's desire

now for a good rest

2

: as being

do you take me for a fool

eggs for breakfast

3

: because of

cried for joy

4

a

: in support of

fighting for their country

b

—used to indicate suitability or fitness

it's not for me to say

medicine for an illness

c

: so as to bring about a certain state

shouted the news for all to hear

5

a

: in place of

go to the store for me

b

: as the equal or equivalent of in an exchange or loan

paid $10 for a hat

6

: in spite of

unconvinced for all the clever arguments

7

: with respect to : concerning

had an eye for news

8

—used to indicate equality or proportion

point for point

tall for your age

9

—used to indicate length of time or extent of space

waited for several hours

10

: after entry 2 sense 3a

named for my grandmother

for

2 of 2 conjunction

: for the reason that : on this ground : because

they were certainly there, for I saw them

Legal Definition

for

preposition

1

: because of

a statute void for vagueness

2

: on behalf of : as the representative of

attorney general's office for petitioner