pray
word
/ˈpɹeɪ/
pray
/pɹˈeɪ/
pray
Definition
To speak to God or a god, often to ask for help, give thanks, or show devotion. It can also mean to strongly hope that something will happen.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns are 'pray for someone', 'pray that...', and 'pray to God'. 'Pray' is more religious than 'hope', but in informal speech people also say 'I'm praying it doesn't rain' to mean they really hope so. 'Prey' is a different word.
Spanish: rezar - orarPortuguese (BR): rezar - orarPortuguese (PT): rezar - orarChinese (Simplified): 祈祷 - 祈求Chinese (Traditional): 祈禱 - 祈求Hindi: प्रार्थना करना - दुआ करनाArabic: يصلّي - يدعوBengali: প্রার্থনা করা - দুয়া করাRussian: молитьсяJapanese: 祈るVietnamese: cầu nguyệnKorean: 기도하다Turkish: dua etmekUrdu: دعا کرنا - نماز پڑھناIndonesian: berdoa
Example Sentences
They pray together every night.
basic
She prayed for her sick friend.
basic
Before dinner, we pray.
basic
I'm praying the weather stays nice this weekend.
natural
We were all praying that the test results would be normal.
natural
He doesn't usually pray, but he did that day.
natural