Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
A prayer, of established or conventional wording, calling for the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: Christianity
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: angelic salutation, ave, Ave Maria
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A risky last-ditch effort with great benefit but little chance of success; one whose success would require divine intervention; a Hail Mary pass.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: US, attributive, figuratively, usually
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To pray by saying a Hail Mary.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: often, reflexive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
a salutation to the Virgin Mary now used in prayers to her
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: Ave Maria
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: prayer
History
From Middle English Heil Marie. The extended figurative sense alludes to the notion of saying a prayer that the action will succeed.
Across languages
30 source translations are retained for this English entry.
