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

One day, a girl was having a seizure, and when Mackenzie prayed over her the seizure stopped. —Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024

Hundreds of supporters gathered in the police department parking lot Tuesday evening to pray for Brown's recovery, local media reported. —Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 15 Aug. 2024

As the gate slid open, several emaciated-looking men, with unkempt hair and rough beards, walked out before dropping to the ground to pray. —Jack Jeffery and Jala Bwaitel, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024

It is believed that Joan of Arc, the 15th-century Catholic saint and teenage heroine of the Hundred Years' War, may have visited and prayed at the chapel in 1429 after meeting with King Charles VII of France. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 9 Aug. 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