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Pray Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pray

[preษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in religion

To address a deity with adoration, confession, supplication or thanksgiving.

Synonyms

beseech, implore, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pray

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
worship

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
beseech

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
implore

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

Examples of usage

  • Christians pray to God for guidance.
  • She prayed for her sick mother to get better.
  • We pray before meals to give thanks.
Context #2 | Verb

in hope or wish

To hope or wish very much for something to happen.

Synonyms

desire, hope, wish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pray

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.
hope

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.
wish

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.
desire

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.

Examples of usage

  • She prayed that she would pass the exam.
  • I prayed for good weather on my wedding day.
Context #3 | Noun

religious act

A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity.

Synonyms

invocation, petition, supplication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pray

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.
petition

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.
supplication

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.
invocation

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.

Examples of usage

  • She offered a prayer for peace.
  • The priest led the congregation in prayer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have specific prayers that are said during different times of the day, such as morning or evening rituals.
  • In some traditions, prayer is accompanied by physical gestures like kneeling, bowing, or raising hands, showing humility or devotion.
  • Many people find comfort and community in group prayers, often conducted in religious gatherings or ceremonies.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals who pray often report feeling a greater sense of peace and fewer feelings of anxiety.
  • Prayers can serve as a form of meditation, helping people focus their thoughts and find emotional balance.
  • Research suggests that engaging in regular prayer practices can enhance resilience during difficult times.

Literature and Art

  • Prayer has been a central theme in many literary works, often symbolizing hope, despair, or a quest for understanding.
  • Famous paintings, such as 'The Prayer', illustrate the emotional depth and human experience associated with praying.
  • Poets often incorporate prayer as a motif to explore the relationship between humans and the divine.

Pop Culture

  • Prayers are featured in various songs across different genres, expressing longing, gratitude, and existential questioning.
  • Movies often depict prayer as a moment of character introspection, used to highlight turning points or moral dilemmas.
  • Television shows and comics sometimes humorously portray characters praying, showcasing cultural attitudes toward religion.

Origin of 'pray'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'prier', derived from the Latin 'precari', which means 'to beg' or 'to beseech'.
  • In various languages, the word for pray has roots in terms meaning 'to ask' or 'to speak fervently'.
  • The act of praying has been recognized as a practice in many cultures and religions throughout history.

The word 'pray' originated from the Old French word 'preier', which means 'to pray'. The Old French word itself has Latin origins, coming from the Latin word 'precari', meaning 'to entreat'. The act of prayer has been a significant aspect of religious and spiritual traditions throughout history, serving as a means of communication with the divine or as a form of meditation and reflection.

See also: prayer, prayers, praying.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,822, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.