pray

verb

ˈprā 

prayed; praying; prays

transitive verb

1

: entreat, implore

—often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea

pray be careful

2

: to get or bring by praying

intransitive verb

1

: to make a request in a humble manner

2

: to address God or a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving

Synonyms

• appeal (to)
• beg
• beseech
• besiege
• conjure
• entreat
• impetrate
• implore
• importune
• petition
• plead (to)
• solicit
• supplicate

Examples of pray in a Sentence

There's little else to do now but hope and pray.

The minister said, “Let us pray.”

He prayed that they would have the strength to go on.

He prayed that he would find a parking spot.

Recent Examples on the Web

The couple prayed together multiple times during their proposal. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

According to the trailer, the quartet engages in fun shenanigans throughout the country, like trekking through rice patties, praying, taking mudbaths, and connecting with the locals. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 2 Nov. 2024

Guilbeault lunged forward toward the driver’s seat and sprayed his face with pepper spray, inflicting pain and burning sensations, as the driver started praying, officials said, citing court documents and statements made in court. —Hanna Park, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

Officials said the Uber driver stopped at a red light and began praying in Arabic. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French prier, praer, preier, from Latin precari, from prec-, prex request, prayer; akin to Old High German frāga question, frāgēn to ask, Sanskrit pṛcchati he asks

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing pray

• pray tell

Kids Definition

pray

verb

ˈprā 

1

: to ask earnestly : beg

I pray you, tell me where they went

2

: to address God with adoration, confession, pleading, or thanksgiving

Legal Definition

pray

transitive verb

: to ask for

plaintiff prays judgment against the defendants

—used especially in pleadings

intransitive verb

: to make a request of a court especially in a complaint or petition

complainant prays for declaratory relief