prayer
prayer Lexical Profile
prayer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity, or a set formula of words used for this purpose.
"The congregation bowed their heads in silent prayer before the service began."
An earnest hope, wish, or slight chance of success, especially in a difficult situation.
"Without proper training and equipment, the climbers did not have a prayer of reaching the summit."
A person who prays to a deity or makes an earnest petition.
"As a devout and regular prayer, she spent an hour every morning in quiet contemplation."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a homograph, 'prayer' has two distinct pronunciations and meanings: pronounced as one syllable (/prɛər/), it refers to a solemn request to a deity or the act of praying; pronounced as two syllables (/ˈpreɪ.ər/), it is an agent noun referring to a person who prays.
• Rhymes for prayer
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'preiere', derived from Medieval Latin 'precaria' (petition or prayer), from Latin 'precarius' (obtained by entreaty), ultimately from 'precari' (to ask, beg, or entreat).