Pray to Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɹeɪ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
PRAY-too, PRAY-tuh, PRAY-tih
pɹˈeɪ/ /tˈuː
pray-TOO
Definition
To speak to a god, spirit, or higher power, usually asking for help, guidance, or giving thanks.
Usage & Nuances
Common in religious contexts but can be used figuratively ('pray to the universe'). Usually requires stating who or what you pray to ('pray to God', 'pray to your ancestors'). 'Pray' alone is more general; 'pray to' specifies the object.
Spanish: rezar a - orar aPortuguese (BR): rezar para - orar paraPortuguese (PT): rezar a - orar aChinese (Simplified): 向...祈祷Chinese (Traditional): 向...祈禱Hindi: की प्रार्थना करनाArabic: يصلي إلىBengali: প্রার্থনা করা (কাউকে উদ্দেশ্য করে)Russian: молиться (кому-либо)Japanese: 祈る (〜に)Vietnamese: cầu nguyện vớiKorean: ~에게 기도하다Turkish: -e dua etmekUrdu: سے دعا کرناIndonesian: berdoa kepada
Example Sentences
Many people pray to God every night.
basic
He decided to pray to his ancestors for wisdom.
basic
Children sometimes pray to angels for protection.
basic
Whenever she feels lost, she quietly prays to the universe for answers.
natural
You don’t have to be religious to pray to something greater than yourself.
natural
People all over the world pray to different gods in their own way.
natural