Pray: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a religious or spiritual context when you speak to a deity or higher power.

• She decided to pray for guidance before making any decisions
• Every evening, he sits quietly to pray

Used when showing deep admiration and reverence for a deity or significant figure.

• The community gathers to worship every Sunday
• They worship the ancestors in various ceremonies

Used when someone is asking for something in an earnest and urgent manner.

• I beseech you to reconsider your decision
• She would often beseech her parents for a new toy

Used much like 'beseech', but can carry deeper emotional pleading, often in times of desperation.

• He implored his friend to stay with him
• She implored the judge for mercy

Used in religious or spiritual contexts when asking a deity or higher power for something.

• Every night, she prays for her family's health.
• He prayed for strength to get through the difficult times.

Used to express a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen, often in uncertain situations.

• I hope it stops raining soon.
• They hope for a brighter future.

Often used to express a want or longing for something, which may or may not be realistic.

• He wished for more time to finish the project.
• I wish you all the best on your journey.

Expresses a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something.

• She has a deep desire to travel the world.
• His desire for success drove him to work hard.

Used when speaking to a deity or higher power, often in a religious context. It can be personal or communal.

• Every night before bed, she would pray for her family's health.
• The congregation gathered to pray for peace.

Used to formally request something, often in a legal or official setting. It can also be used in a religious sense but has a more structured or formal tone.

• They signed a petition to improve community safety.
• The villagers presented a petition to the local council.

Used to earnestly and humbly beg or ask for something, often in a religious or desperate context. It has a sense of urgency and humility.

• In his moment of need, he turned to supplication.
• Her supplication for relief was heartfelt and sincere.

Typically used during formal ceremonies or events, to call upon a deity or higher power for assistance or blessing.

• The priest began the service with an invocation.
• There was an invocation at the start of the graduation ceremony.