pray

verb

ˈprā 

prayed; praying; prays

transitive verb

1

: entreat, implore

—often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea

pray be careful

2

: to get or bring by praying

intransitive verb

1

: to make a request in a humble manner

2

: to address God or a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving

Synonyms

• appeal (to)
• beg
• beseech
• besiege
• conjure
• entreat
• impetrate
• implore
• importune
• petition
• plead (to)
• solicit
• supplicate

Examples of pray in a Sentence

There's little else to do now but hope and pray.

The minister said, “Let us pray.”

He prayed that they would have the strength to go on.

He prayed that he would find a parking spot.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fortunately for Schwartz, good Catholics will turn the other cheek and pray for his intellectual redemption. — Marilyn O’Shaughnessy, Palos Park Foundation for 3 religions Peter H. Schwartz is wrong. —Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025

In this case, TCU doesn’t have to pray but rather just pay. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2025

On the count of three, the students pulled and pulled and pulled, leaning their collective weight all the way back, hoping their feet would sink roots in the hardwood as the dueling crowd prayed their screams turned to strength. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025

Counselors and some area pastors were at the school when our teams returned to talk and pray with our students. —Chantz Martin, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French prier, praer, preier, from Latin precari, from prec-, prex request, prayer; akin to Old High German frāga question, frāgēn to ask, Sanskrit pṛcchati he asks

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing pray

• pray tell

Kids Definition

pray

verb

ˈprā 

1

: to ask earnestly : beg

I pray you, tell me where they went

2

: to address God with adoration, confession, pleading, or thanksgiving

Legal Definition

pray

transitive verb

: to ask for

plaintiff prays judgment against the defendants

—used especially in pleadings

intransitive verb

: to make a request of a court especially in a complaint or petition

complainant prays for declaratory relief