What does praying mean?
Praying is the present participle of the verb pray, describing someone engaged in communication with a deity or making a solemn petition. It commonly appears after forms of the verb "be," as in "He is praying for guidance," and can also be used as a gerund when discussing prayer as an activity. The word usually carries religious or devotional associations, though it may describe a solemn appeal more generally. In the established compound "praying mantis," the same form functions attributively: the insect's raised forelegs create the appearance of someone praying. This use is figurative rather than religious and is the source of the insect's widely recognized English name. Although "praying" is related in sound to "preying," the two words have distinct meanings: prayer involves appeal or worship, while preying involves hunting or taking another animal as food.
The present participle of pray, meaning to address a deity in worship or petition, or to make a solemn appeal.
"They were praying for the safety of those at sea."
Most often used in a progressive or perfect construction, such as "is praying" or "has been praying."
Attributive form used in "praying mantis," describing an insect with raised forelegs that appear to be praying.
"A praying mantis stalked across the garden wall."
This adjectival use is established chiefly in the compound "praying mantis."
The familiar "praying mantis" gets its name from the way its raised forelegs resemble hands held in prayer, not from any actual religious behavior.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of praying
The present participle "praying" was formed by adding the English "-ing" suffix to the verb "pray." The verb comes from Old English "prēon," which was used for making a request or addressing a deity. Its modern religious sense developed through Middle English and remains central to the word today. Related forms such as "prayer" preserve the same inherited verbal and devotional root.
How praying is actually used
Praying is most often used as the present participle of pray, especially after "is" or "was." It can also function as a gerund, as in "praying brought her comfort." The adjectival use is established in the compound "praying mantis."
Easily confused with praying
Praying means making a religious or solemn appeal, whereas preying means hunting or feeding on another animal.