Chasing: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is running quickly after something or someone with the intention of catching them or it, often implying urgency or excitement.

• The dog is chasing the ball
• He spent the whole summer chasing his dreams

Use when someone or something is following someone or something else, often with determination or speed, usually to catch or get something.

• The police were chasing the suspect through the streets.
• The cat was chasing the mouse across the yard.

Use when children or people are participating in the game where one person tries to touch others within a certain area.

• The children were laughing and playing tag in the backyard.
• During recess, the kids enjoyed playing tag.

Best used to describe general, often aimless or playful activity involving running, usually without a specific goal or target.

• The dogs were running around the park, full of energy.
• He spent the afternoon running around with his friends.

Formal and often used in official or serious contexts when referring to someone being involved in an act of pursuing something or someone.

• The team is engaging in a pursuit of excellence.
• They were engaging in a pursuit to capture the fugitive.

Use 'chasing' to describe an active effort to catch or follow someone or something, often involving physical movement or an urgent need.

• The police are chasing the thief through the city streets.
• The cat keeps chasing the mouse around the house.

Use 'pursuit' to describe the act of striving for or seeking something, which can be either physical chasing or a goal or ambition. It can be used in a more formal or serious context.

• His pursuit of happiness led him to make some drastic changes in his life.
• The police were in hot pursuit of the suspect.

Use 'race' to describe a competition of speed, where participants strive to reach a goal or finish line first. It usually involves vehicles, animals, or people running.

• He trained hard for the upcoming marathon race.
• The horse race attracted a huge crowd of spectators.

Use 'competition' to describe a situation where individuals or groups are trying to win or achieve something, often against each other, in a structured or organized manner.

• The annual school competition will take place next week.
• There's a lot of competition among businesses in this market.