English · Culture & Society
prayer
/preər/
[/preər/]
address to a deity
Beginnernoun
Definition
A spoken or silent address to a god or sacred power, often asking for help or giving thanks. It can also mean an earnest hope.
Example
Before the meal, the family bowed their heads and offered a short prayer of thanks.
Before the meal, the family bowed their heads and offered a short prayer of thanks.
Etymology
From Old French 'preiere', from Latin 'precaria', from 'precari' (to ask, entreat).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in religious practice and figuratively for earnest wishes.