orare
In Latin, the English verb "pray" is expressed by orare.
orare is used to describe the act of talking to God. It can also refer to the act of making a formal speech, as the related noun oratio means prayer or speech.
Meaning: to talk to God (verb)
Which one should you use?
While orare is often used for formal or liturgical prayer, the word precari is used when the context involves more urgent, pleading or ritualistic supplication.
How does it change in a sentence?
orare is a first-conjugation verb in its infinitive form. The third-person singular present indicative form is orat (he/she/it prays), and the perfect tense form is oravit (he/she/it prayed).
Did you know?
- While orare is a general term for prayer, the verb precari is the root of the English word 'precarious'. This is because precari involves an urgent plea, often born from a desperate or unstable situation.
- In Roman ritual, a prayer using precari was often considered a legal contract with a deity. If the specific words were misspoken, the prayer was void and had to be restarted from the beginning.
- While orare is used for structured prayer, the related verb precari is the source of the English word 'pray' and implies a more desperate or pleading tone.
Examples in context
- Laborare est orare.To work is to pray.This sentence shows how orare can be used in an infinitive construction to equate work with prayer.Tatoeba #7035915 by iart61, translation #7063404 by Babilfrenzo
- Ora pro nobis.Pray for us.
- Deus, supplico tibi.God, I pray to you.
- Precor ut anima mea requiescat in pace.I pray that my soul may rest in peace.
- Orate pro salute mea.Pray for my health.
- Eum orare debemus.We must pray to Him.
- In templo orare placuit.It was pleasing to pray in the temple.
Example conversation
Gaius and Claudia are discussing their morning routine.
- GaiusClaudia, visne mecum orare?Claudia, do you want to pray with me?
- ClaudiaIta, Gai, libenter orabo.Yes, Gaius, I will pray gladly.
- GaiusUbi orare volumus?Where do we want to pray?
- ClaudiaIn templo orare possumus.We can pray in the temple.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
