What's the difference between imprecate and prayer?

Imprecate


Definition:

  • (v. t.) To call down by prayer, as something hurtful or calamitous.
  • (v. t.) To invoke evil upon; to curse; to swear at.

Example Sentences:

  • (1) Because the governments are relatively powerless to affect US policy toward them, they turn their energies to repressing and keeping down their own populations, with results in resentment, anger and helpless imprecations that do nothing to open up societies where secular ideas about human history and development have been overtaken by failure and frustration, as well as by an Islamism built out of rote learning and the obliteration of what are perceived to be other, competitive forms of secular knowledge.
  • (2) Mr Clegg could declare without irony that the Lib Dems belong in power, and at last lay to rest the lingering echo of David Steel's hubristic imprecation to go home and prepare for power.
  • (3) It begins in bravura style with sirens and a clap of thunder, and then – judging by the excerpts we hear – is thrillingly noisy and aggressive, indeed a return to the familiar Wu landscape of sinister soul samples, whiplash drums, and dire threats and imprecations, updated with the occasional reference to Harry Potter.
  • (4) As in the case of China, one does not have to regard Putin’s moves and motives favorably to understand the logic behind them, nor to grasp the importance of understanding that logic instead of issuing imprecations against it.
  • (5) EU gives Poland two months to scrap changes to its highest court Read more So far, Kaczyński has concluded he can ignore imprecations from Brussels or half-hearted protests from members with their minds on other matters.
  • (6) Of course they and my brother Don, despite my stuttered imprecations, drove through the night from Edinburgh.

Prayer


Definition:

  • (n.) One who prays; a supplicant.
  • (v. i.) The act of praying, or of asking a favor; earnest request or entreaty; hence, a petition or memorial addressed to a court or a legislative body.
  • (v. i.) The act of addressing supplication to a divinity, especially to the true God; the offering of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving to the Supreme Being; as, public prayer; secret prayer.
  • (v. i.) The form of words used in praying; a formula of supplication; an expressed petition; especially, a supplication addressed to God; as, a written or extemporaneous prayer; to repeat one's prayers.

Example Sentences:

  • (1) Tolokonnikova was given a two-year sentence for her part in Pussy Riot's "punk prayer" in Moscow's largest cathedral, calling on the Virgin Mary to "kick out Putin".
  • (2) The Chiefs chairman and chief executive, Clark Hunt, released a statement that said: "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and everyone affected by the heartbreaking events of last Saturday.
  • (3) Tragedy was averted because there was a little delay as the prayers did not commence in earnest and the bomb strapped to the body of the girl went off and killed her,” he added.
  • (4) His "Oh God" prayer was actually written after the England team failed in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but is likely to be useful in all future tournaments as well.
  • (5) King was 16th on an official programme that included the national anthem, the invocation, a prayer, a tribute to women, two sets of songs and nine other speakers.
  • (6) Video of Mecca pilgrim on 'hoverboard' divides opinion Read more The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, whose country is home to tens of millions of Muslims, said on Twitter: “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in the crane crash in Mecca.
  • (7) In the silence, I heard a car reversing in the courtyard and then the Þrst slow notes of the call to prayer.
  • (8) US agricultural secretary Tom Vilsack said: "I get on my knees every day, and I'm saying an extra prayer right now.
  • (9) Our fast will continue for as long as we prayerfully discern that we stand in need of repentance as a Church.
  • (10) They marched to the police roadblock, and performed a 21-gun salute for a fallen veteran and a prayer ceremony on the bridge.
  • (11) Pittman later told the AFP news agency: “She wanted to pay tribute, she loves this city.” Facebook Twitter Pinterest Madonna and son David sing Like a Prayer at the place de la République in Paris.
  • (12) "The thoughts and prayers of all in the taskforce are with his family and friends at this tragic time."
  • (13) He looks heavenward in prayer: "Pardon, Richard; they know not what they do."
  • (14) "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad time."
  • (15) The prayer appeals for “grace to debate the issues in this referendum with honesty and openness”.
  • (16) For example, he is able to use the school's washing facilities and do a daily prayer at lunchtime if he wishes, entirely at his own discretion.
  • (17) He was speaking as 670 bishops prepared to leave the University of Kent campus after 18 days of reflection, prayers, conversations and efforts to hold a divided communion together.
  • (18) In the past week, much has been made of her quoting St Francis of Assisi's prayer, in her first words from Downing Street in 1979.
  • (19) We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in your hearts and prayers.” Take That, who were playing a show at the Liverpool Echo Arena when the attack happened, cancelled the following night’s show in the city and postponed the dates they were due to play in Manchester on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
  • (20) In Paris Femen activists protested nude in front of the Tunisian embassy, mimicking the Muslim prayer in the street.