prayer
UK[preə(r)]US[prer]
n
the act of speaking to god, especially to give thanks or ask for help
n
the words that someone says when they are speaking to god
n
a fixed form of words used for praying, such as in a religious service
n
a strong hope or wish for something
Morpheme Breakdown
pray
er
pray
er
Etymology
the word "prayer" has its origins in the latin verb precari, meaning "to ask earnestly, beg, or entreat". this verb itself is derived from the latin noun prex (genitive precis), meaning "a request, entreaty, prayer", which traces back to the proto-indo-european root prek-, meaning "to ask, request". the old english suffix -ere was added to the verb "pray" to form an agent noun, literally meaning "one who prays". over time, the meaning expanded from the person performing the act to also encompass the act itself and the specific words used, reflecting the central role of formalized supplication in religious practice.
Analysis
Structure: pray + er
pray (from latin precari, meaning "to ask earnestly, beg, entreat", functioning as the verb root) + er (from old english -ere, a suffix forming agent nouns, indicating "one who does the action", functioning as a noun-forming suffix)
Examples
she knelt down in silent prayer.
the priest led the congregation in prayer.
my prayer is that everyone arrives home safely.