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for [ stressed fawr, unstressed fər ] CORE MEANING: a preposition indicating that something is directed at somebody, done to benefit somebody, or done on somebody's behalf
  Look - there's a letter for you.
I'd do anything for you.
The lawyer acted for some of the heirs. |
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1. preposition aimed at: intended to be received or used by somebody, or aimed at somebody
It's for you - it's a present.
advice for first-time buyers
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2. preposition to benefit of: intending or intended to benefit somebody or something
She would make any sacrifice for the cause.
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3. preposition on behalf of: on behalf of somebody or something
Don't make excuses for him.
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4. preposition instead of: instead of or in place of somebody or something, sometimes mistakenly
You'll have to find a stand-in for him while he's away.
I took her for the boss.
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5. preposition in service of: in the service or employment of somebody or something
She works for a large company.
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6. preposition toward: in the direction of
The following day, we headed for Paris.
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7. preposition lasting: indicating how long something lasts, continues, or extends
The interview only lasted for a few minutes.
There was fog for the next mile or so.
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8. preposition because of: indicating a reason why something happens or is done
I did it for love.
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9. preposition designed to do: indicating the purpose of an object, action, or activity
That towel is for drying your hands.
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10. preposition links concepts: used to link two concepts, one of which is the object of the other
a cause for concern
a passion for opera
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11. preposition in exchange for: at a cost of, or giving or receiving something in exchange
got it for a few dollars
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12. preposition as tribute to: in honor of
named for its inventor
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13. preposition given what is usual: with reference to the normal characteristics of something
It's very warm for April.
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14. preposition indicating occasion: at, or planned to be at, a particular time, or on a particular occasion
The meeting was scheduled for four o'clock.
Will you be home for Christmas?
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15. preposition indicates comparison: indicating a comparison or equivalence between two things
Pound for pound, the elephant's energy consumption is the lowest of all land animals.
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16. preposition in order to get: in order to get, achieve, have, keep, or become something
Lee's hoping for promotion.
He was searching for a place to sit.
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17. preposition despite: in spite of or notwithstanding something
He enjoyed himself very much, for all his complaining.
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18. preposition indicates responsibility: indicating that somebody has the right or responsibility to do something
I can't help you - it's for you to decide.
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19. preposition having same meaning as: having the same meaning as another word or phrase
The everyday term for rubella is German measles.
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20. preposition indicates cross-reference: indicating that information can be found elsewhere
For further details, consult the owner's manual.
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21. adverb in support of something: in favor of or in support of something
(prep) Who's for the motion and who's against it?
(adv) Ten voted for, and eleven against.
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22. conj because: for the reason or seeing that
(
formal
)
I left in haste, for I was already late for the appointment.
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| [ Old English< Indo-European, "forward"] |
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