1 a — used to indicate the place someone or something is going to or toward ▪ He just left for the office. ▪ We're heading for home. ▪ When's the next train for [=to] London?
b — used to indicate the person or thing that something is sent or given to ▪ Are there any letters for me? ▪ This present is for you. ▪ She baked a cake for me. 2 a — used to indicate the thing that something is meant to be used with ▪ There's a separate slot for out-of-town mail. ▪ Are these the tires for this car? ▪ The scenery for the play is beautiful. ▪ This food is for the party.
b — used to indicate the person or type of person who should use or have something ▪ The store sells suits for tall men. ▪ This is just right for me. ▪ That job is not for me. [=that job would not suit me] ▪ Who's the best/right person for the job? 3 a — used to indicate the use of something ▪ an instrument for measuring speed
b — used to indicate why something is done ▪ She's dressing for dinner. ▪ Squirrels were storing nuts for the winter. ▪ He's making plans for retirement. ▪ studying for examinations ▪ They shouted the news for all to hear. [=so that all could hear it] 4 — used to indicate the person that a statement refers to ▪ Seeing her again must be difficult for him. — often followed by to + verb ▪ It's time for us to get busy. ▪ For him to confess would be painful. ▪ That's too heavy for you to carry. ▪ (chiefly US) I'd hate for you to miss the show. [=I'd hate it if you missed the show] 5 a : in order to help or cause (something)
▪ We are working for the good of humanity. ▪ This is for your own good. [=to help you] ▪ They believe that they are acting for the best. [=they are doing what is best]
b : in order to get (something)
▪ For more information, call our main office. ▪ Everybody ran for safety/shelter when the shooting started. 6 : in favor of (someone or something)
▪ Which candidate are you for? ▪ You're either for [=with] me or you're against me. ▪ the case for and the case against disarmament ▪ I am all for [=completely in favor of] freedom of speech. 7 : because of (something)
▪ He shouted for joy. ▪ He wept for sorrow. ▪ He was decorated for bravery. 8 — used to indicate the person or thing toward which feelings, thoughts, etc., are directed ▪ He was hungry for praise. ▪ They are longing for home. ▪ I can't help feeling sorry for him. ▪ She has a taste for spicy food. [=she enjoys spicy food] 9 a — used to indicate an amount of time or space ▪ You can see for miles from the top of the hill. ▪ She won't be here for long. ▪ She won't get here for hours (yet). ▪ We're staying there for the summer.
b — used to indicate the time when something happens or will happen ▪ The wedding is planned for next April. ▪ We've invited her for 8 p.m.
c — used to indicate the time that a statement refers to ▪ That's all for now/today. 10 a : in place of (someone or something else) : instead of (someone or something else)
▪ Would you go to the store for me? ▪ Johnson is now batting for Smith.
b : as a representative of (someone)
▪ His lawyer will act for him in this affair. ▪ I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say “Well Done!”
c : in order to help or serve (someone or something)
▪ What else can I do for you? ▪ Let me carry that for you. ▪ They fought and died for their country. 11 : in order to cure or treat (an illness, injury, disease, etc.)
▪ You should take something for that cough. 12 — used to indicate the amount or value of something ▪ a check for $100 13 — used to indicate the meaning of a word ▪ The French word for “good” is “bon.” 14 — used to indicate the food that is eaten at a meal ▪ I ordered eggs for breakfast. ▪ What did you have for dinner? 15 : as an employee, member, player, etc., of (something)
▪ She works for the government. ▪ He plays for Denver. 16 chiefly US : with the name of (someone)
▪ He was named for [=after] his grandfather. [=he was given the same name as his grandfather] 17 — used to indicate the parts of a list or series ▪ For one thing, we have no money; for another, we have no time. ▪ People don't buy it because, for one thing, the price is too high. 18 — used to refer to something that is surprising or unexpected when compared to something else ▪ He's tall for his age. [=he is taller than you would expect someone his age to be] ▪ It's been very cool for May. ▪ That was a good score for him. = For him, that was a good score. 19 — used to indicate the relationship between numbers or amounts that are being compared ▪ For every good writer there are a dozen bad ones. 20 — used in various emphatic phrases ▪ I for one will vote for him. [=I will definitely vote for him] ▪ For the last time, will you stop that noise! ▪ I wish you'd be sensible for once.