Prayer
UK /["/preə(r)/"]/US /["/prer/"]/
Definition
words that you say to God giving thanks or asking for help
In simple words: Talking to God or a higher power, usually asking for help.
Examples
- Every morning, I start my day with a short prayer to set a positive tone.
- The community gathered for a prayer to seek peace and guidance.
- His prayer for the health of his family was heartfelt and sincere.
- In times of trouble, many people turn to prayer for comfort.
- The tradition of prayer varies greatly between different cultures.
- She found solace in a prayer that was recited by her grandmother.
Usage notes
Used in religious contexts or when expressing hope and wishes. It may sound overly formal in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
prayer + for + object
Memory hint
Think of 'pray' + 'er' for someone who prays regularly.
Collocations
- little
- quick
- short
- give
- offer
- offer up
- book
- beads
- mat
- at prayer
- in prayer
- prayer for
- the answer to somebody’s prayers
- not have a prayer
- little
- quick
- short
- give
- offer
- offer up
- book
- beads
- mat
- at prayer
- in prayer
- prayer for
- the answer to somebody’s prayers
- not have a prayer
- little
- quick
- short
- give
- offer
- offer up
- book
- beads
- mat
- at prayer
- in prayer
- prayer for
- the answer to somebody’s prayers
- not have a prayer
- little
- quick
- short
- give
- offer
- offer up
- book
- beads
- mat
- at prayer
- in prayer
- prayer for
- the answer to somebody’s prayers
- not have a prayer
- little
- quick
- short
- give
- offer
- offer up
- book
- beads
- mat
- at prayer
- in prayer
- prayer for
- the answer to somebody’s prayers
- not have a prayer
Synonyms
- supplication
- request
- entreaty
- invocation
- devotion
Antonyms
- curse
- blasphemy
Common mistakes
- Confusing prayer with para-phrasing.
- Using prayer as a verb instead of a noun.
- Not recognizing the religious connotation.