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

Dancing in the festival is a holy act of spiritual devotion as dancers pray for personal forgiveness and salvation. —Paola Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025

Inspiring dads listen well, serve, lead, pray, and demonstrate a consistent and loyal love in their family relationships. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025

For now, Amy, Cormier, and the MMA world are asking everyone to pray that Askren makes it out of the hospital. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

On April 13, 2025 — the one-year anniversary of Danielle’s disappearance — Sue held a vigil for loved ones to gather and pray for Danielle’s safe return. —Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 11 June 2025

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

Rhymes for pray

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

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