How to Pronounce Pray

To pronounce "pray", say PRAY — one syllable, IPA /pɹeɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

pray

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/pɹeɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “pray”

"pray" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with convey and display, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: prey — easy to mix up when writing.

What does pray mean?

verb

  1. To direct words and/or thoughts to God or any higher being, for the sake of adoration, thanks, petition for help, etc.

    “Muslims pray in the direction of Mecca.”

  2. To humbly beg a person for aid or their time.

adverb

  1. Please; used to make a polite request.

    “pray silence for…”

Hear “pray” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with pray

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conveydisplaydismaysobriquetdisarrayallaygaydecayplayportraycachefray

Related words

implorebegprayerworshipinstructpraisewelcomeread

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "pray"?▾

"Pray" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "pray"?▾

The IPA transcription of "pray" is /pɹeɪ/.

What does "pray" mean?▾

Pray: To direct words and/or thoughts to God or any higher being, for the sake of adoration, thanks, petition for help, etc.

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