for
for
Pronunciation
IPA phonetic spelling: /fɔːr/
/fɔːr/
Word Form Variations
The word "for" is primarily a preposition and a conjunction, which are typically invariant in form. It does not have singular/plural forms, verb conjugations, or comparative/superlative forms like nouns, verbs, or adjectives do.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Preposition
Definition 1: Indicating the purpose or reason for something; on account of; with the aim of.
Synonyms: toward, to, in order to, with a view to
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes a relationship rather than an opposite state)
Definition 2: Indicating the duration of a period of time.
Example: She studied for three hours.
Synonyms: during, over (a period)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Definition 3: Indicating the recipient or beneficiary of an action or item.
Example: This gift is for you.
Synonyms: to, benefiting, on behalf of
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Definition 4: Indicating a specified use or suitability.
Example: This tool is for cutting wood.
Synonyms: suited to, designed to, applicable to
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Definition 5: Indicating support or agreement with something.
Example: Are you for or against the proposal?
Synonyms: pro, in favor of, supporting
Antonyms: against, con, opposed to
Conjunction
Definition 1: Used to introduce a reason or explanation, similar to "because."
Example: He decided to stay, for it was getting dark.
Synonyms: because, since, as
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms in this conjunctive sense)
Examples of Use
Books: "It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents—except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness." (Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist, 1838)
Newspapers: "The government announced new measures for boosting economic growth." (The Guardian, July 2024)
Online Publications: "Scientists are searching for new treatments for Alzheimer's disease." (National Geographic online, June 2024)
Film (Entertainment Medium): "Run, Forrest, run!" (Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump, 1994) – This uses "for" as part of a proper noun, but also implicitly, "run for your life/safety."
Music (Entertainment Medium): "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" – "For I can't help falling in love with you." (Elvis Presley, "Can't Help Falling in Love," 1961)
Social Media (Entertainment Platform/Public Discourse): "Looking for recommendations for a good thriller novel!" (Tweet on X, formerly Twitter, July 2024)
Television (Entertainment Medium): "Tonight, for the first time ever, we'll be revealing the winner live on stage." (Used by a host on a reality competition show, various dates)
Podcast (Entertainment Medium): "Our next episode will be discussing the implications for artificial intelligence in daily life." (Podcast transcript, June 2024)
General Public Discourse: "I'm going to the store for some milk." (Everyday conversation, ongoing)
General Public Discourse: "This is for your own good." (Common idiom, ongoing)
10 Quotes Using For
"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." (John F. Kennedy, 1961)
"A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in." (United Negro College Fund slogan, 1972)
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." (Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken," 1916)
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." (Neil Armstrong, 1969)
"All for one and one for all!" (Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers, 1844)
"Forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34, King James Bible)
"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." (John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy," 1980)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933)
"It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." (Chinese Proverb, often attributed to Peter Benenson, founder of Amnesty International)
"If you are going through hell, keep going." (Winston Churchill, 1941)
Etymology
The word "for" has a long and interesting history, going back thousands of years!
Imagine a very, very old language that was the ancestor of many European and Indian languages, called Proto-Indo-European. In that ancient language, there was a root word that meant something like "before" or "in front of."
As languages developed from this ancestor, this root evolved. In Proto-Germanic (the ancestor of English, German, Dutch, etc.), it became *furi, which still carried the meaning of "before" or "in."
This *furi then traveled into Old English, where it became "for." At this early stage, "for" already had a lot of the meanings we know today. Its first known uses, before the 12th century, included indicating purpose ("a grant for studying medicine"), intended goal ("left for home"), reason ("can't sleep for the heat"), or duration ("gone for two days"). It also carried the sense of "in favor of" or "on account of."
Interestingly, "for" is closely related to the word "fore" (as in "forehead" or "foremost"), which also comes from that same ancient root meaning "before" or "in front." Over time, these two words developed slightly different uses, but their shared origin is clear. So, in a nutshell, "for" has always been about relationships – whether it's about purpose, time, or who benefits from something.
Phrases + Idioms Containing For
For example: Used to introduce an instance that illustrates what has just been said.
For crying out loud: An exclamation of exasperation or annoyance.
For the record: To state something clearly and officially, often so it will be remembered.
For good: Permanently; forever.
For better or for worse: Whatever the circumstances, good or bad.
For the time being: For now; temporarily.
For sure: Certainly; without a doubt.
For one thing: Used to introduce the first of several reasons.
For fear of: Because of the possibility of (something undesirable).
For kicks: For fun or excitement.
For all intents and purposes: In every practical sense; virtually.
For keeps: Permanently; not to be returned.
For sale: Available to be bought.
For dear life: With all of one's strength, often to save oneself from danger.
For want of: Due to a lack of something.
For crying out loud: An exclamation of impatience or frustration.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of for from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
