Pray tell Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɹeɪ/ /ˈtɛɫ
PRAY-TEL
pɹˈeɪ/ /tˈɛl
pray-TEL
Definition
An old-fashioned and polite or sometimes sarcastic way to ask someone to explain or reveal something. Often used to express curiosity or disbelief.
Usage & Nuances
Very formal, literary, or playful. Used mainly in old writing or ironic conversation, often for effect. Rarely serious today; common in witty or sarcastic remarks. Not used to literally ask for prayer.
Spanish: dime - dime, por favorPortuguese (BR): diga-me - diga-me, por favorPortuguese (PT): diz-me - diz-me, por favorChinese (Simplified): 请告诉我 - 请问Chinese (Traditional): 請告訴我 - 請問Hindi: कृपया बताइएArabic: أخبرني من فضلكBengali: বলুন তো - বলুন দেখিRussian: сказать пожалуйста - позвольте узнать - скажите на милостьJapanese: 教えてください - 一体教えてVietnamese: nói cho tôi biết - xin hỏiKorean: 말씀 좀 해주세요 - 말씀해 보시죠Turkish: söyleyin bakalım - söyler misinizUrdu: ذرا بتائیے - ارشاد فرمائیےIndonesian: coba katakan - bilang dong
Example Sentences
Pray tell, what inspired you to do that?
basic
You know so much; pray tell, how did you learn all that?
basic
If you have a better idea, pray tell.
basic
You're leaving already? Pray tell, what's the rush?
natural
Pray tell, who came up with that ridiculous plan?
natural
We're all ears—pray tell, what's your secret?
natural