what for

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For what purpose or reason, why, as in I know you're going to England, but what for? [Mid-1700s]

A punishment or scolding, as in You'll get what for from Mom if she catches you smoking, or The teacher really gave Bud what for. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]

QUIZ

ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?

We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.

Question 1 of 8

Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?

navy

beryl

azure

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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Words nearby what for

what do you know, what do you take me for?, whate'er, whatever, whatevs, what for, what gives, what goes around comes around, what have you, what-if, what in the world

How to use what for in a sentence

Sands was involved in a scandalous-for-the-time romance with the carpenter and there were rumors she was pregnant with his child.
New York’s Most Tragic Ghost Loves Minimalist Swedish Fashion|Nina Strochlic|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
There was no mistaking this for the gaudiness and gilt of made-for-TV awards shows.
Streetwear pioneer, visionary entrepreneur, and community mentor Daymond John is honored with Hennessy Privilege Award|Hennessy|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Given the potential for a cyber tit-for-tat to escalate, Obama has even more incentive to find a diplomatic solution.
Obama Could Hit China to Punish North Korea|Shane Harris, Tim Mak|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Twenty-five more for-profits are on well on their way to doing the same thing.
The 26 Next Hobby Lobbys|Abby Haglage|December 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Will Christian pharmacists, county clerks, florists, and for-profit wedding chapels really withdraw from society, as you describe?
Do LGBTs Owe Christians an Olive Branch? Try The Other Way Around|Jay Michaelson|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The result of this stock-taking shows that eleven volumes were unaccounted-for, a list of which is appended.
Report of the Chief Librarian for the Year 1924-25|General Assembly Library (New Zealand)
At this stock-taking the number unaccounted-for is twenty-two, several of which are quite recent accessions to the Library.
Report of the Chief Librarian for the Year 1924-25|General Assembly Library (New Zealand)
Edna's desire to see Mademoiselle Reisz had increased tenfold since these unlooked-for obstacles had arisen to thwart it.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
Coals!what would he do with coals?Toast his cheese with em, and then come back for more.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3)|Charles Dickens
Ay, murmured the sick woman, relapsing into her former drowsy state, what about her?what aboutI know!
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3)|Charles Dickens

what for

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