Pursue: meaning, definitions and examples

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pursue

 

[ pərˈsjuː ]

Context #1 | Verb

to follow or chase

To follow someone or something, usually to try to catch him, her, or it. To try to achieve something, such as a plan, activity, or situation. To try to discover information about something.

Synonyms

chase, follow, seek

Examples of usage

  • He decided to pursue a career in music.
  • She pursued her dream of becoming a doctor.
  • The police are pursuing the suspect on foot.
Context #2 | Verb

to engage in

To take part in an activity or course of action. To engage in a particular activity or course of action.

Synonyms

engage in, participate in, take part in

Examples of usage

  • He pursued his hobby of photography in his free time.
  • She pursued her passion for cooking by attending culinary school.

Translations

Translations of the word "pursue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perseguir

🇮🇳 पीछा करना (पीछा करना)

🇩🇪 verfolgen

🇮🇩 mengejar

🇺🇦 переслідувати

🇵🇱 ścigać

🇯🇵 追う (おう)

🇫🇷 poursuivre

🇪🇸 perseguir

🇹🇷 kovalamak

🇰🇷 추구하다 (추구하다)

🇸🇦 ملاحقة (ملاحقة)

🇨🇿 sledovat

🇸🇰 prenasledovať

🇨🇳 追求 (zhuīqiú)

🇸🇮 zasledovati

🇮🇸 elta

🇰🇿 қуу

🇬🇪 დევნა (დევნა)

🇦🇿 təqib etmək

🇲🇽 perseguir

Etymology

The word 'pursue' comes from the Middle English word 'pursuen', which in turn comes from the Old French word 'porsivre'. The Latin root of the word is 'prosequi', meaning 'follow after'. The concept of pursuing something has been present in human history for centuries, as individuals have always sought to chase their dreams and goals.

See also: pursuance, pursuer, pursuers, pursuing, pursuit.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,866, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.