pray

present (v1)

pray

past (v2)

prayed

past participle (v3)

prayed

present participle

praying

3rd person singular

prays

Verb

Verb

×

A word that expresses an action, state, or occurrence.

1. 1.To direct words, thoughts, or one's attention to a deity or any higher being, for the sake of adoration, thanks, petition for help, etc.

   • Muslims pray in the direction of Mecca.
   • The critically low level of rainfall in the second half of 2020 – approaching 50% year on year for November – led the religious affairs directorate to instruct imams and their congregations to pray for rain last month.

2. 2.To humbly beg a person for aid or their time.

3. 3.To wish or hope strongly for a particular outcome.

   • She is praying that the Red Sox will win tonight.

Adverb

Adverb

×

A word that modifies a verb, adjective, another adverb, or a clause.

1. 1.Alternative form of pray tell (“I ask you”).

   • He is a South American, so perhaps revolutionary spirit courses through Francis's veins. But what, pray, does the Catholic church want with doubt?

Overall

Uncommon· #2070

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Rare

General reading & writing

Uncommon

Academic

Rare

Literature

Rare

Synonyms

• beg

Word family

• prayer