What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prayer
Example
She prayed for strength during this difficult time. [prayed: past tense]
Example
He attends prayer services at the mosque every Friday. [prayer: noun]
supplication
Example
The villagers made a supplication to the king for aid during the drought. [supplication: noun]
Example
She supplicated for forgiveness after realizing her mistake. [supplicated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prayer is more commonly used than supplication in everyday language, especially in religious contexts. However, supplication can be used in both religious and secular contexts, and is more commonly used in formal or literary writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prayer and supplication?
Supplication is generally considered more formal than prayer, and is often used in formal or literary writing. Prayer, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
