1
Protect a benefit
Act to preserve a valued person, object, or condition.
Example
The originals were stored offline for the sake of preservation.
for the sake of
/fər ðə ˈseɪk əv/ · fur thuh SAYK uvbenefit-or-purpose phrase
For the benefit, preservation, clarity, convenience, or purpose of someone or something.
Use for the sake of to signal this exact relationship between ideas: for the benefit, preservation, clarity, convenience, or purpose of someone or something.
What for the sake of Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Improve clarity or simplicity
Accept a simplification to help communication.
Example
For the sake of clarity, the table omits minor categories.
3
Prioritise a larger interest
Make a concession to support a goal.
Example
Both groups compromised for the sake of the project.
Use for the sake of Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The originals were stored offline for the sake of preservation.
For the sake of clarity, the table omits minor categories.
Both groups compromised for the sake of the project.
Precision Matters
For the sake of overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
for the sake of
vs.Signals for the benefit, preservation, clarity, convenience, or purpose of someone or something.
for the purpose of
Means with the specific aim or intention of doing something.
for the sake of
vs.Signals for the benefit, preservation, clarity, convenience, or purpose of someone or something.
as a means of
Means as a method or instrument for achieving a purpose.
for the sake of
vs.Signals for the benefit, preservation, clarity, convenience, or purpose of someone or something.
because of
Means as a result of; introduces a noun phrase naming a cause.
for the sake of
vs.Signals for the benefit, preservation, clarity, convenience, or purpose of someone or something.
by virtue of
Means because of possessing a quality, status, or circumstance; through the agency of.
Test for the sake of in Context
The restriction is intended to protect the documents.
1
The archive keeps the fragile originals offline ___ their preservation.