释义 |
pray \ˈprā\ verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Middle English preyen, prayen, from Old French preier, from Latin precari, from prec-, prex request, entreaty, prayer; akin to Old English gefrǣge hearsay, report, fricgan, frignan, frīnan to ask, inquire, Old High German frāga question, frāgēn to ask, Old Norse frētt question, fregna to inquire, find out, Gothic fraihman to find out by inquiry, Tocharian A prak- to ask, Sanskrit prās interrogation, prcchati he asks transitive verb 1. : entreat, implore: as a. : to make supplication to (a god) b. (1) : to ask (someone) to do something usually humbly or as an inferior to a superior : crave < prayed the king to give them land > — often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea < pray tell me the time > < pray let us hurry > — compare please (2) : to ask earnestly for (something) : supplicate for : beg < I know not how to pray your patience — Shakespeare > c. : to ask (someone) for or on behalf of another < we pray you … be ye reconciled to God — 2 Cor 5:20 (Authorized Version) > 2. obsolete : to ask or entreat to come : invite 3. a. : to accomplish, put, or bring, by praying < pray a soul out of purgatory > b. : to overcome (someone) by prayer — used with down or out < he prayed down his rival > intransitive verb : to make request with earnestness or zeal especially for something desired : make entreaty or supplication : offer prayer to a divine being; specifically : to address a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving • - pray in aid - pray over |