prayerful

[prair-fuhl]

adjective

1. given to, characterized by, or expressive of prayer; devout.

   Synonyms: reverent, godly, pious

ˈprayerful

/ ˈprɛəfʊl /

adjective

1. inclined to or characterized by prayer

Other Word Forms

• prayerfully adverb
• prayerfulness noun
• unprayerful adjective
• unprayerfully adverb
• unprayerfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prayerful¹

First recorded in 1620–30; prayer ¹ + -ful

Example Sentences

Scorsese says he attends Mass and is “absolutely” a prayerful person.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

While we fight to free the 23 church leaders imprisoned, we’re prayerfully confident that the church in China will find a way to flourish all the more.

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“Yes, animals are sometimes offered to the orishas. But it’s done prayerfully, with care. The meat is almost always prepared and shared with the community.”

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Brad is a gentle, prayerful man who wins Joel’s heart and ours by extension.

Read more on Salon

“Mormon socialization from a very young age encourages you to participate in civic engagement. The importance of voting … of being prayerful,” Romanello said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chaste 
• devotional 
• godlike