prex
[ˈprɛks]feminine
The English word prayer can be translated into Latin as prex or precatio.
Meaning: practice of communicating with one's God (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prex | [ˈprɛks] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈprɛks] (narrow) |
feminine |
| precatio | feminine |
Both terms refer to the practice of communicating with one's God.
Which one should you use?
prex typically refers to a specific plea, entreaty or a formal petition addressed to a deity. In contrast, precatio often refers more broadly to the act of praying, a ritualized prayer or the formal recitation of a prayer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of prex is preces. The genitive singular form of precatio (meaning 'of a prayer') is precationis. Both forms are feminine nouns.
Did you know?
- The English word 'precarious' is a distant relative of prex, coming from the Latin precarius, which originally meant 'obtained by prayer' or 'dependent on a request'.
- In Roman tradition, a 'votum' was a type of prayer that functioned as a legal contract, where the worshipper promised a gift to a god in exchange for a specific favor.
- In Roman legal contexts, a precatio could function as a formal verbal request to a magistrate, not just a religious ritual.
Examples in context
- Prex sancta cor elevat.The holy prayer lifts the heart.
- Audita est prex eius.Her prayer was heard.
- Nostra prex ad Deum est.Our prayer is to God.
Example conversation
Lucia and Quintus are visiting a temple.
- LuciaQuinte, visne meam precem audire?Quintus, do you want to hear my prayer?
- QuintusIta, Lucia, libenter audio.Yes, Lucia, I would gladly listen.
- LuciaSpero precem meam exaudīrī.I hope that my prayer will be heard.
- QuintusCertissime, precibus tuis confido.Certainly, I trust in your prayers.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prayer” translations and entries prex, precatio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
