for (fôr; fər )
prep.

1. 1. Used to indicate the object, aim, or purpose of an action or activity: trained for the ministry; put the house up for sale; plans to run for senator.
   2. Used to indicate a destination: headed off for town.
2. Used to indicate the object of a desire, intention, or perception: had a nose for news; eager for success.
3. 1. Used to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action: prepared lunch for us.
   2. On behalf of: spoke for all the members.
   3. In favor of: Were they for or against the proposal?
   4. In place of: a substitute for eggs.
4. 1. Used to indicate equivalence or equality: paid ten dollars for a ticket; repeated the conversation word for word.
   2. Used to indicate correlation or correspondence: took two steps back for every step forward.
5. 1. Used to indicate amount, extent, or duration: a bill for five dollars; walked for miles; stood in line for an hour.
   2. Used to indicate a specific time: had an appointment for two o'clock.
   3. Used to indicate a number of attempts: shot three for four from the foul line.
6. 1. As being: take for granted; mistook me for the librarian.
   2. Used to indicate an actual or implied listing or choosing: For one thing, we can't afford it.
7. As a result of; because of: jumped for joy.
8. Used to indicate appropriateness or suitability: It will be for the judge to decide.
9. Notwithstanding; despite: For all the problems, it was a valuable experience.
10. 1. As regards; concerning: a stickler for neatness.
    2. Considering the nature or usual character of: was spry for his advanced age.
    3. In honor of: named for her grandmother.

conj.
Because; since.

[Middle English, from Old English.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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