![]() ![]() The phrase pray tell can be used in two different ways: one sincere, one sarcastic. ![]() How can the phrase pray tell be used in a sentence? The phrase pray tell began as an earnest request that stemmed from this usage and has continued as a popular term.ĭue to its archaic nature, the phrase nowadays is mostly used for sarcastic or incredulous emphasis, or to express doubt, and is rarely used to genuinely ask someone to explain. “pray help me” or “pray bring that over here,” similar to the way we use the word please in present day. WordSense states that when pray was used to emphasize requests, the format “pray _” was common for requests, i.e. The word originates from the Danish tale meaning “to speak,” as well as roots in Old English, Proto-Germanic, Old Norse and Old Frisian. The word tell, according to Etymonline, began to mean “to announce” or “to relate” around the year 1000. In the 16th century, the phrase became contracted to simply “pray,” according to Etymonline. Before this, phrase “I pray thee” was used for a similar meaning, beginning around 1300. Its usage as a word meaning “please, if you will” or in the phrase :I pray you” began in the late 14th century. The word “pray” comes from the Latin precari, meaning to ask earnestly or beg. While he may have expanded usage of the term, it was used long before his time. What is the etymology of the phrase pray tell?Īccording to One Step Forward, some commonly believe that William Shakespeare was the inventor of the phrase. The character appears in the first two seasons of the show thus far. In the show, Pray Tell learns that he is HIV positive and must adjust to his new life. ![]() He acts as a father figure in the show, and guides the House of Evangelista. Played by Billy Porter, Pray Tell is an emcee and member of the Masters of Ceremony Council. It is commonly used by someone expressing incredulity or doubt, and invites the recipient to explain themselves– if they dare.Īccording to Fandom, Pray Tell is also a character in the Ryan Murphy FX series Pose. However, in modern day, the phrase is usually used sarcastically as an interjection when asking someone to explain themselves. This was an earnest plea for someone to clarify or repeat themselves. Archaically, the phrase was used genuinely, to ask someone to explain something that the user does not know or understand. Pray tell is an idiomatic expression usually used for emphasis, or to demand an answer from someone, according to Merriam-Webster. What is the meaning of the phrase pray tell? ![]()
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