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for
strong /fɔːr/ weak /fər/ prepositionDefinition
GIVEN/USED › intended to be given to or used by someone or something: I've bought a few clothes for the new baby. We need some curtains for the spare bedroom. parking for residents only
PURPOSE › having a particular purpose: a cream for dry skin What are those large scissors for?
BECAUSE OF › because of or as a result of something: [+ doing sth] I got fined for travelling without a ticket. Scotland is famous for its spectacular countryside.
TIME/DISTANCE › used to show an amount of time or distance: We drove for miles before we found a phone box. I've been living with my parents for a few months.
GET › in order to get or achieve something: I've sent off for an application form. We had to wait for a taxi.
HELP › in order to help someone: I'll carry those bags for you.
OCCASION › on the occasion of: We're having a party for Jim's 60th birthday.
AT A TIME › at a particular time: I've booked a table for 9 o'clock.
IN EXCHANGE › in exchange for something, especially an amount of money: How much did you pay for your computer? I'd like to change it for a smaller one.
SUPPORT › supporting or agreeing with someone or something: Who did you vote for? There were 16 people for the motion and 14 against.
REPRESENT › representing or working with a country, organization, etc: He plays football for Cambridge United. She works for a charity.
TOWARDS › towards or in the direction of: Just follow the signs for the airport.
COMPARE › when compared to a particular fact: She's quite tall for her age.
MEANING › meaning or representing something: What's the German word for 'cucumber'?
RESPONSIBILITY › used to say whose responsibility something is: I can't tell you whether you should go or not - that's for you to decide.
for all › despite: For all her qualifications, she's useless at the job.
for all I care/know › used to say that a fact is not important to you: He could be married by now, for all I care.
for now › used to say that something should happen or be done now but can be changed later: Just put everything on the table for now.
be for it UK informal (UK/US be in for it) › to be in trouble: If Hilary finds out I'll be for it!
(Definition of for preposition from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary
© Cambridge University Press)
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