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View synonyms for

pray

[ prey ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to (God or an object of worship).
  2. to offer (a prayer).
  3. to bring, put, etc., by praying:

    to pray a soul into heaven.

  4. to make earnest petition to (a person).

    Synonyms: , , , , ,

  5. to make petition or entreaty for; crave:

    She prayed his forgiveness.

  6. to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to God or to an object of worship.
  7. to enter into spiritual communion with God or an object of worship through prayer.


verb (used without object)

  1. to make entreaty or supplication, as to a person or for a thing.

verb phrase

pray

/ ɪ /

verb

  1. whenintr, often foll by for; when tr, usually takes a clause as object to utter prayers (to God or other object of worship)

    we prayed to God for the sick child

  2. when tr, usually takes a clause as object or an infinitive to make an earnest entreaty (to or for); beg or implore

    she prayed to be allowed to go

    leave, I pray you

  3. rare.
    tr to accomplish or bring by praying

    to pray a soul into the kingdom

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

interjection

  1. archaic.
    I beg you; please

    pray, leave us alone

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • ·Բ· adverb
  • dzܳ· verb (used with object)
  • ܲ··Բ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pray1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English preien, from Old French preier, ultimately derived from Latin ī “to beg, pray,” derivative of prex (stem prec- ) prayer; akin to Old English fricgan, Dutch vragen, German fragen, Gothic fraihnan “to ask”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pray1

C13: from Old French preier, from Latin ī to implore, from prex an entreaty; related to Old English fricgan, Old High German ڰ岵ŧ to ask, Old Norse fregna to enquire
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“I pray they back off and see that there would be real glory in speaking up and supporting ’60 Minutes,’ which is truly a national treasure,” Bettag said.

From

“We became one family under fire, praying, waiting, surviving.”

From

“We love you so much my sweet jiggles and we are praying with all we’ve got,” “Drag Race” staple Michelle Visage commented.

From

The basilica also hosts what is said to be a relic of Jesus's crib and an icon of Mary, to whom Pope Francis would pray to asking for protection before a journey.

From

"He was the best man. I pray that his soul rests in peace and he has the best life wherever he is," she said.

From

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Praxitelesprayer