pray
pray Lexical Profile
pray Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To address a solemn request, expression of thanks, or spiritual communion to a deity or object of worship.
"The congregation gathered in the chapel to pray for peace and healing."
To wish or hope earnestly for a specific outcome or event to happen.
"We can only pray that the weather holds up for the outdoor graduation ceremony."
To entreat, implore, or petition someone earnestly, or to request formal relief from a court or authority (especially in legal or formal contexts).
"The plaintiffs pray that the court grant an immediate injunction to halt the construction."
• adverb
Used as a polite or emphatic preface to a question, request, or command, meaning 'please' (archaic or formal).
"Pray tell us how you managed to solve the riddle so quickly."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'pray' (to address a deity or ask earnestly) with its homophone 'prey' (an animal hunted for food, or to hunt and exploit).
• Rhymes for pray
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'prayen', borrowed from Old French 'preier', from Late Latin 'precari' (to ask earnestly, beg, or entreat), derived from Latin 'prex' (prayer, request).