prayer

== English == === Etymology 1 === From Middle English preiere, from Old French preiere, from Early Medieval Latin precāria, derived from Latin precem. Displaced native Old English ġebed (whence modern English bead). ==== Pronunciation ==== (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /pɹɛə/ (General American) enPR: prâr, prāʹər, IPA(key): /ˈpɹeɪ.ɚ/, /pɹɛɚ/, /ˈpɹɛɹ/ (South Asia) IPA(key): /ˈpɾe.jə(ɾ)/ Rhymes: -ɛə(ɹ), -eɪə(ɹ) ==== Noun ==== prayer (countable and uncountable, plural prayers) (uncountable) A practice of communicating with one's God, or with some spiritual entity. (countable) An act of praying. The specific words or methods used for praying. A meeting held for the express purpose of praying. (countable) A request; a petition. (in the singular, mostly in negative constructions) The remotest hope or chance. ===== Synonyms ===== orison, precation bead (archaic) ===== Derived terms ===== ===== Translations ===== === Etymology 2 === pray +‎ -er. ==== Pronunciation ==== (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpɹeɪə(ɹ)/ (US) enPR: prāʹər, IPA(key): /ˈpɹeɪəɹ/ Rhymes: -eɪə(ɹ) ==== Noun ==== prayer (plural prayers) One who prays. ===== Translations =====