The meaning of FOR is —used as a function word to indicate purpose. How to use for in a sentence. Google 's service, offered free of charge, instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages. Learn the meaning and grammar of the preposition for in English with examples and explanations. Find out how to use for in different contexts, such as purpose, time, distance, price, comparison, and more. We sometimes use for as a conjunction meaning ‘because’. We use it in very formal, and often literary, contexts: …