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please explain (something the requester does not yet understand; Usage notes: When "pray" was used to emphasize requests, this standard construction (as, "pray come here", "pray help us", "pray leave me") was an earnest request for information. The phrase is now, however, usually used ironically to emphasize the unacceptability of something, especially when highlighting a logical fallacy.
: Pray tell us, how will they fare while you are away?  wiktionary.org) | |||
| expressing incredulity, please explain (some claim or position the speaker doubts: But how, pray tell, do you "notice" something that happens when you're asleep? wiktionary.org) | |||
| used for emphasis to demand an answer when asking someone for a reason, explanation, etc. (Why should I trust them, pray tell?
• What were you doing, pray tell? merriam-webster.com) | |||