pray
B1Formal (in religious contexts); can be archaic or humorous in secular, emphatic use.
Definition
Meaning
To speak to a deity (such as God), typically to offer thanks, make a request, or express devotion.
To earnestly hope for or request something, often used in secular contexts for emphasis or polite entreaty.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Core religious sense is universal. The secular use ('pray tell', 'I pray you') is now archaic, literary, or used for ironic/humorous effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core religious meaning. Archaic/literary secular use ('pray continue') is slightly more prevalent in British historical literature and period dramas.
Connotations
In both, primary connotation is religious. The phrase 'pray tell' carries a slightly old-fashioned or sarcastic tone.
Frequency
Equally common in religious contexts. Secular use is rare and stylistically marked in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
pray (v.i.)pray for someone/something (v.i. + prep.)pray that... (v. + clause)pray to someone (v.i. + prep.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pray tell (archaic/ironic)”
- “pray in aid (legal, archaic BrE)”
- “be past praying for”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used in modern business contexts, except in metaphorical clichés ('We're praying for a good quarter').
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, or historical/literary analysis of texts.
Everyday
Common in religious communities. In secular everyday use, often in fixed phrases ('I pray it doesn't rain') expressing strong hope.
Technical
No significant technical usage.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They pray at the mosque every Friday.
- I pray you, reconsider this decision (archaic).
American English
- We'll pray for your speedy recovery.
- Pray tell, what happened next? (ironic)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She prays before she eats.
- We pray for our family.
- The villagers prayed for rain during the drought.
- I pray that you have a safe journey.
- He prayed fervently, seeking forgiveness for his actions.
- Historically, subjects would pray the king for mercy.
- The lawyer, in a dramatic flourish, prayed in aid a precedent from the 18th century.
- Beyond praying for a miracle, the trapped miners could do little but wait.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PRAY as the action you do when you are in a PRAise mood towards Y(our) God.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A CONDUIT (sending words to a deity); HOPE IS A PRAYER ('I pray things work out').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'prey' (добыча).
- The Russian verb 'молиться' captures the religious act, but not the archaic secular entreaty.
- Avoid using where a simple 'ask', 'hope', or 'please' would be more natural in modern English.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing spelling with 'prey'.
- Overusing the secular 'pray' in modern speech, sounding archaic.
- Incorrect preposition: 'pray God' (no preposition) vs. 'pray to God'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'pray' is considered archaic or stylistically marked in modern English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but its primary and most common use is religious. It can be used secularly to express earnest hope ('I pray it works') or in archaic/formal entreaty ('pray be seated').
'Pray' is a verb meaning to speak to a deity. 'Prey' is usually a noun meaning an animal hunted for food, or a verb meaning to hunt or exploit someone.
Not in standard modern English. The related noun is 'prayer' (/prɛə/ in BrE, /prɛr/ in AmE).
It is grammatically correct but archaic. It means 'I ask/entreat you' and is found in historical literature (e.g., Shakespeare). In modern speech, it would sound very old-fashioned or intentionally theatrical.