for

UK: fɔː | US: fɔːr

Definition

  1. prep. in support of; in favor of

  2. prep. intended to belong to or be used by

  3. prep. because of; as a result of

  4. conj. because (archaic or formal)

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

"For" traces back to Old English for, a preposition meaning "before, in front of, because of," derived from Proto-Germanic *fura ("before"). Its core idea of "forwardness" or "facing" evolved into modern senses like purpose ("for you"), cause ("for this reason"), and support ("vote for"). As a Germanic residue word, it retains a compact, unbroken form.

Examples

  1. She bought a gift for her friend.

  2. He apologized for being late.

  3. This tool is for cutting paper.

  4. They campaigned for environmental protection.

  5. For he was tired, he went to bed early. (archaic)