What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pray
Example
I pray every night before going to bed. [pray: verb]
Example
We offered a prayer of thanks before starting our meal. [prayer: noun]
beseech
Example
I beseech you to reconsider your decision. [beseech: verb]
Example
The villagers beseeched the king for aid during the famine. [beseeched: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pray is more common than beseech in everyday language, especially in religious or formal contexts. Beseech is less common and may be seen as more dramatic or urgent.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pray and beseech?
Pray is generally considered more formal than beseech, which can be used in both formal and informal situations.
