pray

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship

   say a prayer

2. 2
   verb

   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.

3. 3
   verb

   To ask earnestly for; to seek to obtain by supplication; to entreat for.

   I know not how to pray your patience.

4. 4
   verb

   To wish or hope strongly for a particular outcome.

   She is praying that the Red Sox will win tonight.

5. 5
   verb

   To implore, to entreat, to request.

   They prayd him sit, and gave him for to feed Such homely what as serves the simple clowne, That doth despise the dainties of the towne[…]

6. 6
   adv

   Please; used to make a polite request

   pray silence for…

7. 7
   adv

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

   Shall I be moved to love you, pray, / By hints that I must soon decay? / No woman's won by being told / How quickly she is growing old[...]

8. 8
   verb

   call upon in supplication

Etymology

* As an Irish surname, variant of Prey, from ó Préith, a personal name from Old Irish. * As an English surname, borrowed (via Middle English) from French pré (“meadow”).