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for

 

[ fɔːr ]

Preposition / Conjunction
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Preposition

in a specific period of time

used to indicate the duration of time that something lasts or is valid for

Synonyms

during, over, throughout

Examples of usage

  • He's been working here for three years.
  • She will be on vacation for two weeks.
  • I have known him for a long time.
Context #2 | Conjunction

introducing the reason for an action or situation

used to introduce the reason for an action or situation

Synonyms

as, because, since

Examples of usage

  • She went to the doctor, for she was feeling unwell.
  • He must be busy, for he hasn't replied to my messages.
Context #3 | Preposition

to indicate purpose or intended recipient

used to show the purpose or intended recipient of an action

Synonyms

intended for, targeted at

Examples of usage

  • This gift is for you.
  • He's studying for his exams.
  • She baked a cake for her friend's birthday.

Translations

Translations of the word "for" in other languages:

🇵🇹 para

🇮🇳 के लिए

🇩🇪 für

🇮🇩 untuk

🇺🇦 для

🇵🇱 dla

🇯🇵 ために (tameni)

🇫🇷 pour

🇪🇸 para

🇹🇷 için

🇰🇷 위해 (wihae)

🇸🇦 لِ

🇨🇿 pro

🇸🇰 pre

🇨🇳 为了 (wèile)

🇸🇮 za

🇮🇸 fyrir

🇰🇿 үшін

🇬🇪 თვის

🇦🇿 üçün

🇲🇽 para

Etymology

The word 'for' originated from the Old English word 'for', meaning 'before' or 'in front of'. Over time, its usage evolved to include a wide range of meanings and functions in modern English. It is one of the most commonly used prepositions and conjunctions in the English language, serving to indicate time duration, reason, purpose, and intended recipient.

See also: fore.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #4, this is one of the most fundamental words in English. It's absolutely essential to master this word as it forms the backbone of English communication and appears in almost every conversation or text.