prayer
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
A solemn request or expression of thanks addressed to God or a deity.
Can also refer to the words used in such an address, a set form of words for this purpose (e.g., the Lord's Prayer), a religious service consisting chiefly of prayers, or a fervent hope or wish.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has two distinct meanings and pronunciations: one relating to communication with a deity (/'preɪər/), and one meaning 'a person who prays' (/'preɪə(r)/). The first is far more common. It spans formal religious contexts to informal, metaphorical use ('My prayer is that he recovers').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The metaphorical use ('a prayer of a chance') is slightly more informal in BrE.
Connotations
In both, carries connotations of solemnity, hope, and reverence. Can be used ironically ('a prayer for patience').
Frequency
Equally frequent in religious and general discourse in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
say a prayer for [someone]offer a prayer of [thanks/gratitude]prayer that [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not have a prayer (of doing sth)”
- “a prayer of a chance”
- “on a wing and a prayer”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical expressions like 'Our last-quarter results are a prayer.'
Academic
Used in theological, historical, and anthropological contexts discussing ritual and religious practice.
Everyday
Common in expressions of hope ('My prayer is that the weather holds') and in religious observance.
Technical
Specific in liturgy (e.g., 'the Prayer of Consecration') and in certain meditative practices.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She prayerfully considered her options.
adjective
British English
- The prayer book was well-worn.
American English
- She attended a prayer breakfast.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She says a prayer every night.
- They go to church for prayer.
- His prayer was answered when he found his lost dog.
- We said a prayer for the victims of the flood.
- The interfaith prayer service focused on peace and reconciliation.
- His only hope was a desperate prayer that the engine would start.
- The poem functions as both a lament and a prayer for redemption.
- Her scholarly work analyzes the structure of liturgical prayer in medieval manuscripts.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PRAY' + 'ER' -> the act or result of PRAYing. A 'pray-er' is one who prays.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A JOURNEY (send a prayer heavenward), HOPE IS A PRAYER (all our prayers are for peace).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'прерия' (prairie). The Russian direct equivalent 'молитва' covers the main meaning, but not the 'person who prays' sense.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing the 'person who prays' form as /preɪər/ instead of /'preɪə(r)/.
- Using 'prayers' (plural) for a single instance: 'He said a prayers.' (incorrect) vs. 'He said a prayer.' (correct).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'not have a prayer', what does 'prayer' metaphorically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as an activity/words (e.g., 'say a prayer', 'many prayers'). The 'person who prays' sense is also countable.
A 'prayer' is specifically addressed to a divine power, while a 'wish' is not. 'Prayer' implies more solemnity and gravity.
Yes, metaphorically to mean a very fervent hope or wish (e.g., 'My prayer is for a swift recovery').
It is pronounced /'preɪə(r)/, with two syllables and the stress on the first, unlike the more common noun /preə(r)/.
Explore