for

preposition
UK: /fɔː/
US: /fɔːr/

  1. Used to indicate the reason or purpose of something.

    1. I need a pen for writing a letter. [ ] [ ]
    2. This tool is used for fixing broken furniture, it's very versatile. [ ] [ ]

  2. Indicating the person or thing that receives something.

    1. This gift is for you. [ ] [ ]
    2. I baked a cake for my friend's birthday, it was a chocolate one. [ ] [ ]

  3. Meaning 'in support of' or 'in favor of'.

    1. Are you for or against the plan? [ ] [ ]
    2. Many people voted for him because they believed in his policies. [ ] [ ]

  4. Indicating a period of time or a distance.

    1. I studied for two hours. [ ] [ ]
    2. We drove for miles and miles before reaching our destination. [ ] [ ]

  5. Representing or acting on behalf of someone.

    1. I'm speaking for my group. [ ] [ ]
    2. The lawyer will be speaking for the defendant in the court case. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

since because in support of
for conjunction

  1. Because; since.

    1. I can't go, for I am busy. [ ] [ ]
    2. He felt relieved, for the test was finally over and done with. [ ] [ ]
for adverb

  1. Relating to the object of an action or feeling

    1. I'm all for it, it sounds like a blast to me. [ ] [ ]
    2. She is completely for helping those in need within the community. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "for" in English means: Used to indicate the reason or purpose of something., Indicating the person or thing that receives something., Meaning 'in support of' or 'in favor of'., Indicating a period of time or a distance., Representing or acting on behalf of someone..

The phonetic transcription of "for" is /fɔː/ in British English and /fɔːr/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "for": since, because, in support of.

Example usage of "for": "I need a pen for writing a letter.". More examples on the page.