noun

prayers

PRAIRZ

Prayers (noun) means Words addressed to God, a god or another sacred figure, whether asking for something, giving thanks, confessing or praising. Example: “He said his prayers every night before bed.”

noun

Words addressed to God, a god or another sacred figure, whether asking for something, giving thanks, confessing or praising.

"He said his prayers every night before bed."

"Prayers were offered for the families of the missing crew."

A short religious service or a set time of praying, especially one held regularly.

"Friday prayers filled the street outside the mosque."

"The school still holds morning prayers in the hall."

An expression of sympathy and support offered to someone in trouble, whether or not the speaker is religious.

"Sending prayers to everyone affected by the fire."

"Thoughts and prayers are with the family tonight."

How to Use Prayers

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWords said to God, or messages of support for someone suffering.

When to use it

The first two senses are neutral and religious. The third, especially in the fixed phrase 'thoughts and prayers', is now often used critically, because it is seen as a substitute for action after preventable tragedies.

Memory tip

'Prayers' with no article usually means the activity or a service; 'the prayers' means specific ones that were said.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

prayer → praise → blessings

Common pairings

say your prayers answer prayers thoughts and prayers prayers for the sick Friday prayers prayers up

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He said his _____ every night before bed.

Etymology

Plural of prayer, from Old French preiere, from Latin precaria, from precari meaning 'to entreat'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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supplications petitions devotions invocations orisons service worship good wishes thoughts condolences

Related Words

service military agency serve religion maintain favor serving

Rhymes for prayers

Myers Ayers Byers Sayers Meyers

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between prayer and prayers?

Prayer as an uncountable noun means the practice itself — 'the power of prayer'. Prayers, countable and plural, means particular things said or particular occasions of saying them — 'she said three prayers'.

Why do people criticise 'thoughts and prayers'?

The phrase is a standard expression of sympathy, but after mass shootings and other preventable disasters it has drawn criticism as a way of appearing to respond while avoiding any policy change. Critics call it performative; supporters note that it is a sincere expression of care in most private contexts.

What does 'prayers up' mean?

It is an informal expression, common on social media and especially in Black American English, meaning that prayers are being offered for someone going through something serious. It works as a short message of support, roughly equivalent to 'praying for you'.

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