for [Oxford Dictionary]
Having (the thing mentioned) as a reason or cause
‘I'd like to take her somewhere in the US or Europe as a surprise for her birthday.’
for [electronic dictionary]
=> used to show a reason or cause
She gave me a watch for my birthday.
[Longman ELC]
for= at the time of, on the occasion of
He bought his son a boat for his birthday.
We've invited our guests for 9 o'clock.
She's coming home for Christmas.
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I posted the definition of 'for' in dictionaries. The definition of 'for' seems to be different between longman and Oxford dictionary.
1. He bought his son a boat for his birthday.
2. He bought his son a boat on his birthday.
(Does #1 mean he did it on his birthday? Or before his birthday? Does 'for' mean 'at the time of' or 'Having (the thing mentioned) as a reason or cause')
3. She's coming home for Christmas.
4. She's coming home on/at Christmas.
(Does #3 mean #4? In #3, is she coming on the Christmas Day?)
5. He is going to buy many things for his winter vacation.
6. He is going to buy many things on his winter vacation.
(Does #5 mean that he will buy items to prepare for the winter vacation, before the winter vacation? Or does #5 mean #6? Does 'for' mean 'at the time of' all the time or 'used to show a reason or cause'?)
Yes, "for" is one of those well used words that has many, many meanings, depending on the context!
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1. He bought his son a boat for his birthday.
2. He bought his son a boat on his birthday.
(Does #1 mean he did it on his birthday? No Or before his birthday? yes
Does 'for' mean 'at the time of' or 'Having (the thing mentioned) as a reason or cause') "On" means at the time; "for" (in this case) means as a reason or cause.
3. She's coming home for Christmas.
4. She's coming home on/at Christmas.
(Does #3 mean #4? In #3, is she coming on the Christmas Day?)
"For" or "at" normally means just before Christmas; "on" means on that day.
5. He is going to buy many things for his winter vacation.
6. He is going to buy many things on his winter vacation.
(Does #5 mean that he will buy items to prepare for the winter vacation, before the winter vacation? Yes Or does #5 mean #6? No
Does 'for' mean 'at the time of' all the time or 'used to show a reason or cause'?) shows a reason or cause
I don't think the two dictionaries contradict each other. A birthday is a cause for buying a gift for someone, and the occasion for such a gift.
1 "for his birthday" means on the occasion of his birthday. The boat could have been purchased at any time, but was in honor of the birthday. 2 "On his birthday" means the purchase was made on that date. 3 & 4, again "for" or "at" means before, during, even after the 25th of December, but the trip home will be prompted by the occasion. "at" Christmas means the same thing, on or around the 25th. "on" Christmas means specifically on the 25th. 5, "for his winter vacation" implies in preparation for the vacation. If he's going to the beach in Australia, he might buy swimming trunks, new shirts, etc., in advance. 6. "on his winter vacation" means while he is away on vacation (souvenirs, items not available at home, etc.).
Thank you for your help.
Then what does #7 mean #8 or #9?
7. What are you going to do for your winter vacation?
8. What are you going to do to prepare for your winter vacation, before the winter vacation?
9. What are you going to do on/duriong your winter vacation?
7 is closer to 9 in overall meaning. In this case, "on" is closer to "during" because a vacation usually spans several days or weeks.
The word "for" can have multiple meanings and uses depending on the context. It is important to consider the specific context in which "for" is being used to understand its meaning.
In the examples you provided:
1. "He bought his son a boat for his birthday." Here, "for" means "having (the thing mentioned) as a reason or cause." It suggests that the son's birthday is the reason or occasion for buying the boat. So, the boat was purchased with the purpose of being a birthday gift for the son.
2. "He bought his son a boat on his birthday." This sentence suggests that the boat was purchased and presented to the son on his actual birthday. So, the boat was given to him as a gift on his birthday.
In the case of #1 and #2, both sentences convey a similar meaning - the boat was bought and given to the son as a birthday gift.
3. "She's coming home for Christmas." In this example, "for" means "at the time of, on the occasion of." It implies that the person mentioned will be returning home during the Christmas period, possibly to spend time with family or celebrate the holiday.
4. "She's coming home on/at Christmas." This sentence also suggests that the person will be returning home during the Christmas period, specifically on or around Christmas Day. So, both sentences convey the same meaning - the person will be returning home during Christmas.
5. "He is going to buy many things for his winter vacation." Here, "for" means "having (the thing mentioned) as a reason or cause." It implies that the person will be buying many things in preparation for their winter vacation. So, "for" in this context indicates the reason or cause for buying these items.
6. "He is going to buy many things on his winter vacation." This sentence suggests that the person will be buying many things during their actual winter vacation. So, the purchases will take place while they are already on the vacation.
In the case of #5 and #6, the meaning is slightly different. #5 implies buying things in preparation for the winter vacation, while #6 suggests buying things during the vacation itself.
It is important to note that the word "for" can have various meanings and uses depending on the context, so it is crucial to analyze the particular sentence to determine its intended meaning.