prier

Prier is a French verb with several related meanings centered on asking, entreating, or addressing a higher power. Etymology traces it to Latin precari, via Old French preier, reflecting its core sense of supplication and request. In modern use, prier covers both religious prayer and secular asking, with nuance determined by context.

In the present tense, prier forms as an -er verb with stem changes: je prie, tu prie, il prie, nous prions, vous priez, ils prient. Other tenses follow standard -er conjugation patterns, for example: j’ai prié (past), je priais (imperfect), je prierai (future). The present subjunctive is que je prie, que tu pries, qu’il prie, que nous priions, que vous priiez, qu’ils priient. The past participle is prié.

Common uses fall into three broad senses. First, to pray in a religious sense, as in Je prie Dieu de me pardonner. Second, to entreat or beg, often in the sense of making a polite request, e.g., Elle le pria de rester. Third, in polite or formal requests, especially with the construction je vous en prie, which can mean “you’re welcome” in response to thanks or function as “please,” as in Je vous en prie, entrez.

Related noun: prière (prayer). The verb is widely used in formal, literary, or religious registers, and in everyday speech when making requests, expressing hope, or addressing a higher authority.