verb
pray
pray
verb
1
To speak to God or a higher power, whether to give thanks, ask for help, or express devotion.
"She prayed quietly before the exam."
"They prayed for the safe return of the missing hikers."
2
To ask someone earnestly for something.
"He prayed the judge would show mercy."
How to Use Pray
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo talk to a god or spiritual power, or, more loosely, to hope or ask earnestly for something.
Common pairings
pray for
pray to God
Word Forms
prayed past tense, Prays plural, prays singular
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Etymology
From Old French "preier," from Latin "precari" ("to beg" or "to entreat"), from "prex," meaning "request" or "prayer."