Pray

/preɪ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To address the deity in word or thought, especially in a fervent or earnest manner.

She would often pray for her family's health and safety.

To make a request or wish, especially in a respectful or earnest way.

He decided to pray for success in his upcoming exam.

To express thanks or praise to a deity.

They gathered in the church to pray and give thanks for their blessings.

Middle English 'preyen', from Old French 'preier', from Latin 'precari' meaning 'to beseech'.

say a prayer

To perform a prayer ritual or to express a thought to a deity.

pray for

To wish for something good to happen.

pray tell

A phrase used to invite someone to explain or clarify something.

prayer

A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity.

prayerful

Having a quality of devotion or prayer.

supplication

The action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly.

Throw up a prayer

Before the exam, I just threw up a prayer and hoped for the best.

Pray it away

She believes she can pray her problems away instead of facing them.