French word

prier

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁije/

Meaning

  • verbpray

Example

Je prie pour toi ce soir.

I will pray for you tonight.

Illustration for prier (pray)

More examples

Je vous prie de m'excuser.

Please excuse me.

Core concept

A heartfelt request directed upward to a higher power or respectfully toward a person.

Common phrases

  • je vous prie

    please

  • prier quelqu'un de

    ask someone to ___

Similar words

demander: To request that someone do something.
supplier: To beg someone earnestly for help or forgiveness.
implorer: To plead desperately for help or deliverance.

Definition in French

Exprimer un souhait adressé à une puissance supérieure ou supplier une personne avec respect; emploi fréquent dans des formules polies.

Word origin

French prier developed from Latin precari through Old French forms, with religious prayer later extending to respectful requests and pleas.

Usage tips

  • Je vous en prie and je t'en prie can mean 'please', 'go ahead', or 'you're welcome', so their function depends on the context.

Other meanings

  • askverb
  • begverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word