Prayer: meaning, definitions and examples

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prayer

[ ˈpreɪər ]

^{Context #1}

religious

A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to a deity or other object of worship.

Synonyms

invocation, petition, supplication

Examples of usage

Let us offer a prayer for peace.
She whispered a prayer before going to bed.

^{Context #2}

informal

A religious service, especially a regular one, at which people gather in order to pray together.

Synonyms

devotion, service, worship

Examples of usage

The Sunday morning prayer at the church is always well attended.
We are having a prayer for the community at the mosque tonight.

^{Context #3}

figurative

A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to a person in authority.

Synonyms

appeal, plea, request

Examples of usage

She wrote a prayer to the CEO asking for a raise.
We submitted our prayers to the government for assistance.

Translations

Translations of the word "prayer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oração

🇮🇳 प्रार्थना

🇩🇪 Gebet

🇮🇩 doa

🇺🇦 молитва

🇵🇱 modlitwa

🇯🇵 祈り (いのり)

🇫🇷 prière

🇪🇸 oración

🇹🇷 dua

🇰🇷 기도 (기도)

🇸🇦 صلاة

🇨🇿 modlitba

🇸🇰 modlitba

🇨🇳 祈祷 (qídǎo)

🇸🇮 molitvа

🇮🇸 bæn

🇰🇿 дұға

🇬🇪 ლოცვა

🇦🇿 dua

🇲🇽 oración

Word origin

The word 'prayer' originated from the Old French 'preiere' and the Latin 'precari', meaning 'to ask earnestly, beg, entreat'. Throughout history, prayer has been an integral part of various religious and spiritual practices around the world. It is a form of communication with a higher power, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, or asking for help.