prep.
Pronunciation: f ə r, ( ' )fo ̇ r, Southern also ( ' )fär
Function: preposition
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Latin per through, prae before, pro before, for, ahead, Greek pro, Old English faran to go ― more at FARE
Date: before 12th century
1 a ― used as a function word to indicate purpose <a grant for studying medicine> b ― used as a function word to indicate an intended goal <left for home> <acted for the best> c ― used as a function word to indicate the object or recipient of a perception, desire, or activity <now for a good rest> <run for your life> <an eye for a bargain>
2 a : as being or constituting <taken for a fool> <eggs for breakfast> b ― used as a function word to indicate an actual or implied enumeration or selection < for one thing, the price is too high>
3 : because of <can't sleep for the heat>
4 ― used as a function word to indicate suitability or fitness <it is not for you to choose> <ready for action>
5 a : in place of <go to the store for me> b (1) : on behalf of : REPRESENTING <speaks for the court> (2) : in favor of <all for the plan>
6 : in spite of ― usually used with all < for all his large size, he moves gracefully>
7 : with respect to : CONCERNING <a stickler for detail> <heavy for its size>
8 a ― used as a function word to indicate equivalence in exchange <$10 for a hat>, equality in number or quantity <point for point>, or correspondence or correlation < for every one that works, you'll find five that don't> b ― used as a function word to indicate number of attempts <0 for 4>
9 ― used as a function word to indicate duration of time or extent of space <gone for two days>
10 : in honor of : AFTER <named for her grandmother>