for

(fôr; fər when unstressed)

1. a. 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.
   b. 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. a. Used to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action: prepared lunch for us.
   b. On behalf of: spoke for all the members.
   c. In favor of: Were they for or against the proposal?
   d. In place of: a substitute for eggs.
4. a. Used to indicate equivalence or equality: paid ten dollars for a ticket; repeated the conversation word for word.
   b. Used to indicate correlation or correspondence: took two steps back for every step forward.
5. a. Used to indicate amount, extent, or duration: a bill for five dollars; walked for miles; stood in line for an hour.
   b. Used to indicate a specific time: had an appointment for two o'clock.
   c. Used to indicate a number of attempts: shot three for four from the foul line.
6. a. As being: take for granted; mistook me for the librarian.
   b. 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. a. As regards; concerning: a stickler for neatness.
    b. Considering the nature or usual character of: was spry for his advanced age.
    c. In honor of: named for her grandmother.