Pray — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈprā/

Meaning & Definition of Pray

Pray (verb)

  1. entreat, implore —often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea
  2. to get or bring by praying
  3. to make a request in a humble manner

Pray (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner

    "I pray you: tell me where they went"

    similar: appeal (to), beg, beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, importune, petition, plead (to), solicit, supplicate, call on
    related: bludge (chiefly Australian & New Zealand), cadge, mooch, sponge, ask, desire, invoke, request, claim, coerce, command, compel, demand, force, insist, require
    near: hint, imply, intimate, suggest, appease, conciliate, gratify, mollify, oblige, pacify, placate, please, satisfy, comfort, console, content, quiet

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Pray

The most common words with a similar meaning to Pray:

appeal (to), beg, beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, importune, petition, plead (to), solicit, supplicate, call on

Related Words for Pray

bludge, cadge, mooch, sponge, ask, desire, invoke, request, claim, coerce, command, compel, demand, force, insist, require

Near Antonyms of Pray

hint, imply, intimate, suggest, appease, conciliate, gratify, mollify, oblige, pacify, placate, please, satisfy, comfort, console, content, quiet

Word Forms of Pray

Inflections: prayed, praying, prays

Origin & Etymology of Pray

Middle English, from Anglo-French prier, praer, preier, from Latin precari, from prec-, prex request, prayer; akin to Old High German frāga question, frāgēn to ask, Sanskrit pṛcchati he asks

First known use: 13th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Pray

Words & Phrases Containing Pray

pray tell

Frequently Asked Questions about Pray

What does "Pray" mean?

"Pray" means entreat, implore —often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea. As a verb, it is defined as: entreat, implore —often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea.

What is another word for "Pray"?

Other words for "Pray" include appeal (to), beg, beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate and implore. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Pray" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Pray"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Pray". Common alternatives include appeal (to), beg, beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, importune and petition.

How do you use "Pray" in a sentence?

Examples of "Pray" in a sentence: "I pray you: tell me where they went".

Is "Pray" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Pray" is a verb.

Is "Pray" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Pray" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Pray"?

"Pray" is pronounced /ˈprā/.

What is the origin of the word "Pray"?

"Pray" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French prier, praer, preier, from Latin precari, from prec-, prex request, prayer; akin to Old High German frāga question, frāgēn to ask, Sanskrit pṛcchati he asks. First known use: 13th centuryt.