for the sake of (someone or something)

Out of regard or respect for someone or something; for the benefit, advantage, or purpose of something or somebody. For the sake of those who have already read the chapter, I won't go into it in too much detail here today. For the sake of decency, please stop using such profane language in church! For the sake of players who haven't made it to the City of the Ancients yet, I won't spoil anything for you.

for the sake of

1. Also for one's sake. Out of consideration or regard for a person or thing; for someone's or something's advantage or good. For example, For Jill's sake we did not serve meat, or We have to stop fighting for the sake of family unity. [Early 1200s]

2. For the purpose or motive of, as in You like to quarrel only for the sake of an argument. [Early 1200s]

3. for God's sake. Also for goodness or heaven's or Pete's or pity's sake . An exclamation showing surprise, impatience, anger, or some other emotion, depending on the context. For example, For God's sake, I didn't expect to see you here, or Hurry up, for goodness sake, or For heaven's sake, how can you say such a mean thing? or For pity's sake, finish your dinner. The variants are euphemisms for God. [c. 1300] For a synonym, see for the love of, def. 2.

for the sake of somebody/something

for somebody’s/something’s sake

in order to help somebody/something or because you like somebody/something: They stayed together for the sake of the children. ♢ You can do it. Please, for my sake. ♢ I hope you’re right, for all our sakes (= because this is important for all of us).

See also: for, of, sake, somebody, something

See also: