Pray vs Prey
What’s the difference between them?
Pray
Meaning:
to make a request to a deity or higher power.
Examples:
1. We prayed for the sick child's recovery.
2. I pray for strength and courage to face my fears.
3. We will pray for guidance before making any decisions.
Prey
Meaning:
Prey: A living creature hunted or seized for food, or one that is attacked or pursued for some other purpose.
Examples:
1. The lion was hunting its prey across the savannah.
2. The hawk swooped down to capture its unsuspecting prey.
3. The fox stalked its prey through the forest.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pray
1. Supplicate
2. Petition
3. Invoke
4. Plead
5. Implore
1. Desecrate
2. Blaspheme
3. Sin
4. Curse
5. Disobey
Prey
1. Quarry
2. Victim
3. Object of pursuit
4. Target
5. Preyed upon animal
1. Predator
2. Victimizer
3. Assailant
4. Attacker
5. Harasser
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Pray", "Prey".
1. Praying is the act of communicating with a higher power or deity.
2. Use mnemonic phrase: Pray for your blessings every day.
3. Prey typically refers to animals that are hunted or killed for food.
4. Use mnemonic: Prey is what predators eat.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should 'pray' be used?
Pray is used in a religious context, usually to ask for help or guidance from a higher power. It can be used in private conversations, such as prayer for one's own needs or in a group setting such as corporate prayer.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'prey'?
Prey is typically used to refer to an animal hunted for food by another animal. It can also be used metaphorically, such as when someone is a 'prey of circumstance' or a 'prey of emotions'.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words are pronounced differently. Pray is pronounced as /preɪ/ and Prey is pronounced as /priː/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is confusing them for one another. People often mispronounce them and accidentally use the wrong word in the wrong context. It's important to pay attention to the pronunciation and spelling of these words to avoid any misunderstanding.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The fox hunts its ________ at night.
2. Many religions involve regular ________.
3. The lions stalked their ________ through the grass.
4. The team captain said a ________ before the game.
5. The birds enjoyed a ________ of insects.
6. We all joined hands to ________ for peace.
1. Prey
Explanation: The word prey is used to describe something hunted by another animal as food.
2. Pray
Explanation: The word pray is used to describe a reverent request to a higher power, usually involving words or silent reflection.
3. Prey
Explanation: The word prey is used to describe something hunted by another animal as food.
4. Prayer
Explanation: The word prayer is used to describe an act of reverent communication with a higher power, usually involving words.
5. Prey
Explanation: The word prey is used to describe something hunted by another animal as food.
6. Pray
Explanation: The word pray is used to describe a reverent request to a higher power, usually involving words or silent reflection.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.