Praying: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in the same context as the first entry, in a religious or spiritual context where one is communicating with a deity or higher power.

• She is praying for her family's well-being
• Many gather at the church praying for blessings

Used when making a very earnest request, often with a sense of urgency. It can be considered more formal and poetic.

• I beseech you to help me in this time of need
• She beseeched him to forgive her

Used to describe begging or pleading with great desperation. It carries a sense of emotional intensity and urgency.

• She implored him not to leave her
• He implored the authorities for mercy

Used in formal and literary contexts to make an earnest request. It indicates a strong desire or need.

• They entreated the king to spare their lives
• I entreat you to reconsider your decision

This word is often used in religious or spiritual contexts when someone is communicating with a higher power. It can also be used more generally when someone is deeply hoping for something positive or asking for help.

• She spent the whole night praying for her brother's recovery.
• He was praying that everything would go smoothly in the meeting.

This word is appropriate when expressing a positive expectation or wish for the future. It is often used in both casual and formal situations.

• I hope you have a great trip.
• They hope to achieve better results this year.

Used to express a desire for something that is often outside of one's control. It can be used in both realistic and unrealistic scenarios.

• I wish for peace around the world.
• She wished she could stay longer.

This term is used when expressing a strong feeling of wanting something. It can refer to both physical and emotional wants, and might have a more intense or passionate connotation.

• Her desire to travel the world was unwavering.
• He has a strong desire for career advancement.