Pray
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /pɹeɪ/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Pray is a verb meaning To humbly beg a person for aid or their time.
Meaning
To humbly beg a person for aid or their time.
More Meanings
- To wish or hope strongly for a particular outcome.
- (religion) To direct words, thoughts, or one's attention to a deity or any higher being, for the sake of adoration, thanks, petition for help, etc.
- Alternative form of pray tell (“I ask you”).
- (obsolete) To ask earnestly for; to seek to obtain by supplication; to entreat for.
- (obsolete or law) To implore, to entreat, to request.
- (archaic or formal) Please; used to make a polite request
Example Sentences
I know not how to pray your patience.
Muslims pray in the direction of Mecca.
She is praying that the Red Sox will win tonight.
They prayd him sit, and gave him for to feed Such homely what as serves the simple clowne, That doth despise the dainties of the towne[…]
Word Forms
- prays
- praying
- prayed
Synonyms for pray
Depending on context, synonyms include implore, beg.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include implore, beg, prayer, worship, instruct, praise.
Related Dictionary Tools
Practice “pray” in a Crossword
Recall this definition from a clue, use crossing letters, and review the word again when you solve it.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.