Prayer — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈprer/ (noun) /ˈprā-ər/ (noun)

Meaning & Definition of Prayer

Prayer (noun)

  1. an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought
  2. a set order of words used in praying
  3. an earnest request or wish; specifically, law, the part of a pleading (as a complaint) that specifies the relief sought
  4. one that prays, supplicant

Prayer (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an address to God or a deity

    "he always directed a bedside prayer to God before going to sleep"

    similar: orison
    related: collect, grace, invocation, litany, requiescat, thanksgiving, evensong, matins, vespers, appeal, begging, beseeching, entreaty, imploring, petition, pleading, request, soliciting, suit, supplication

  2. an earnest request

    "we hope that the governor will hear our prayer and do something about this pressing problem"

    similar: adjuration, appeal, conjuration, cry, desire, entreaty, petition, plea, pleading, solicitation, suit, suppliance, supplication
    related: application, requisition, call, claim, demand, insistence

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Prayer

The most common words with a similar meaning to Prayer:

orison, adjuration, appeal, conjuration, cry, desire, entreaty, petition, plea, pleading, solicitation, suit, suppliance, supplication

Related Words for Prayer

collect, grace, invocation, litany, requiescat, thanksgiving, evensong, matins, vespers, begging, beseeching, imploring, request, soliciting, application, requisition, call, claim, demand, insistence

Origin & Etymology of Prayer

Middle English, from Anglo-French priere, praiere, preiere, from Medieval Latin precaria, from Latin, feminine of precarius obtained by entreaty, from prec-, prex

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Prayer

Words & Phrases Containing Prayer

prayer beads, prayer book, prayer meeting, prayer plant, prayer rug, prayer shawl, prayer wheel, prayer mat

Frequently Asked Questions about Prayer

What does "Prayer" mean?

"Prayer" means an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought. As a noun, it is defined as: an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Prayer"?

Other words for "Prayer" include orison, adjuration, appeal, conjuration, cry, desire, entreaty and petition. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Prayer" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Prayer"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Prayer". Common alternatives include orison, adjuration, appeal, conjuration, cry, desire, entreaty, petition, plea and pleading.

How do you use "Prayer" in a sentence?

Examples of "Prayer" in a sentence: "he always directed a bedside prayer to God before going to sleep"; "we hope that the governor will hear our prayer and do something about this pressing problem".

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

"Prayer" is a noun.

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

As a B1-level word, "Prayer" 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 "Prayer"?

"Prayer" is pronounced /ˈprer/ as a noun and /ˈprā-ər/ as a noun.

What is the origin of the word "Prayer"?

"Prayer" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French priere, praiere, preiere, from Medieval Latin precaria, from Latin, feminine of precarius obtained by entreaty, from prec-, prex. First known use: 14th century.