Make for 's definition, meaning and history

Meaning of “make for”

The phrasal verb “make for” is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe the act of moving or heading toward a particular destination or goal. When someone says they are “making for” a place or objective, it means they are traveling in that direction or working to achieve that goal. The phrase is commonly used to indicate movement, progress, or advancement toward a specific target or outcome.

For example, you might say “We need to make for the exit” to indicate that you should head toward the exit or leave the area. Or you could say “His actions make for a better future” to suggest that his behavior or decisions are leading to a positive outcome or result.

Here are some other things to know about “make for”:

• It is often used informally in spoken English to describe movement or progress.
• The phrase can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts, like “make for the door” or “make for a successful career.”
• “Make for” is commonly used to describe the act of moving or heading toward a specific location, destination, or objective.
• The phrasal verb can be followed by a noun or pronoun to specify the place or goal toward which someone is moving, like “make for the hills” or “make for it.”

History of “make for”

The phrasal verb “make for” has been in use for centuries, with its origins dating back to Middle English. Here’s what we know about its history:

• Early usage: The phrase “make for” first appeared in English in the 14th century, with early examples found in texts from the 1300s.
• Evolution of meaning: Over time, “make for” has come to be used more broadly to describe movement or progress toward a particular destination or goal.
• Informal usage: “Make for” is considered an informal expression in English, often used in casual conversation or informal writing to describe movement or advancement.
• Synonyms: Other phrases that can be used in place of “make for” include “head for,” “move toward,” or “go in the direction of.”

Overall, “make for” is a versatile phrasal verb in English that is used to describe the act of moving or heading toward a particular destination or goal. It is a common expression that can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate movement, progress, or advancement toward a specific target or outcome.

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