prayer
preh-uh
Prayer (noun) means Words or thoughts directed to a god or higher power, as thanks, request, or worship. Example: “He said a prayer before the meal.”
noun
1
Words or thoughts directed to a god or higher power, as thanks, request, or worship.
"He said a prayer before the meal."
"Her prayers were finally answered when the test results came back clear."
"The old man whispered a short prayer as the boat left the harbour."
2
A hoped-for outcome that seems very unlikely; a faint chance.
"Down by twenty points with a minute left, the team had no prayer of winning."
"With no money and no experience, the new shop had little prayer of surviving."
"He knew he hadn't a prayer of finishing the race after his fall."
How to use prayer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWords spoken to a god, or, informally, a very slim chance of something happening.
Common pairings
say a prayer
answer a prayer
not have a prayer
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Word forms
- Plural
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Etymology
From Old French "preiere," from Late Latin "precaria," related to Latin "precari" ("to beg") — the same root as "pray."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for prayer
See all rhymes for prayer →Frequently asked questions
What does “prayer” mean?
The word “prayer” means words or thoughts directed to a god or higher power, as thanks, request, or worship. In plain terms, words spoken to a god, or, informally, a very slim chance of something happening.
How do you pronounce “prayer”?
“Prayer” is pronounced preh-uh (/ˈpɹeɪ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “prayer” in a sentence?
Here is “prayer” used in a sentence: “He said a prayer before the meal.”
What is another word for “prayer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “prayer” include orison, precation and bead.
What part of speech is “prayer”?
“Prayer” is a noun.
Where does the word “prayer” come from?
The word “prayer” comes from Late Latin. From Old French "preiere," from Late Latin "precaria," related to Latin "precari" ("to beg") — the same root as "pray.".
Is “prayer” a common word?
“Prayer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “prayer” have?
“Prayer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: words or thoughts directed to a god or higher power, as thanks, request, or worship.
What is the difference between prayer and meditation?
Prayer is usually addressed to a god or higher power, offering thanks, requests, or worship. Meditation is more often an inward practice of calming or focusing the mind, and it need not involve any deity. Prayer tends to be a form of communication, while meditation is a form of attention or reflection.
What are the main types of prayer?
Traditions vary, but common types include thanksgiving, giving thanks for blessings; petition, asking for help or needs; intercession, praying on behalf of others; confession, admitting wrongdoing; and worship or praise, expressing devotion. Many prayers blend several of these together within a single moment or set of words.
Why is prayer important to believers?
For many faiths, prayer is a central way of connecting with the divine, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and finding comfort during hardship. It can strengthen a sense of meaning, community, and inner peace. Whether spoken aloud or held silently in thought, it remains one of the most personal acts of faith.
What is an example of a prayer?
A simple prayer might be a few words of thanks before a meal, a quiet request for strength during a difficult time, or a memorised text recited in worship. Prayers can be formal and traditional or spontaneous and personal, spoken aloud, whispered, or simply thought in the mind.
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