Pursue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿƒ
Add to dictionary

pursue

[pษ™rหˆsjuห ]

Definitions

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'pursue your dreams' is popular in motivational talks and self-help books.
  • In movies, characters often go on adventures to pursue a goal, highlighting determination.
  • Popular songs often have themes of pursuing love or life goals, making the word relatable to many.

Psychology

  • Pursuing goals can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment, according to psychological studies.
  • People who actively pursue their interests have shown increased cognitive engagement and motivation.
  • The 'pursuit of happiness' is a significant concept in psychology, emphasizing personal growth.

Sports

  • In sports, the idea of pursuit is often depicted in events like chases in track and field or car racing.
  • Athletes frequently pursue records or titles, showcasing the competitive spirit associated with the term.
  • Team sports often involve strategies to pursue victory against opponents, making teamwork essential.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore charactersโ€™ journeys as they pursue their ambitions or desires.
  • In classic literature, the pursuit of unattainable goals often serves as a central theme.
  • Poets often use the idea of pursuit to illustrate the challenges of longing or aspiration.

Origin of 'pursue'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pursuere', meaning 'to follow after'.
  • In Middle English, it evolved into 'persuen', showing how the word has changed over time.
  • It originally had similar meanings of following and seeking, which are still relevant today.

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.