Pursued: meaning, definitions and examples

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pursued

 

[pərˈsjuːd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

actions taken

The word 'pursued' is the past tense of 'pursue', which means to follow someone or something in order to catch or attack them. It can also mean to seek to attain or accomplish a goal. This term is often used in contexts such as law enforcement, relationships, or personal ambitions. When one pursues a goal, it suggests an ongoing effort to reach that aim, often requiring dedication and determination.

Synonyms

chased, followed, sought, strived.

Examples of usage

  • The police pursued the suspect through the city streets.
  • She pursued her dream of becoming a doctor.
  • They pursued the idea of starting a new business.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'pursued' comes from the Old French word 'poursuivre,' which means 'to follow up' or 'to chase after.'
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'pursu-,' meaning 'to follow,' illustrating the word’s long history of chasing or seeking.
  • In Middle English, the term 'pursuen' was used, reflecting its evolution in spelling and usage over centuries.

Literature

  • In classic literature, themes of pursuit often signify deeper struggles, such as in 'Moby Dick,' where Captain Ahab pursues the white whale, symbolizing obsession.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often pursue ideals like love or power, highlighting the complexity of human desires.
  • Many authors use the concept of pursuit in stories to showcase character growth, where chasing goals leads to self-discovery.

Psychology

  • Pursuit can be linked to motivation theories, where individuals are driven to chase goals that fulfill personal needs or desires.
  • The psychology behind pursuit often relates to the 'goal-setting theory,' indicating that defining clear goals can enhance motivation and persistence.
  • Pursuit behaviors can also connect to concepts of attachment, where individuals may pursue relationships or connections based on emotional bonds.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray pursuit as a thrilling element, like in action films where characters pursue villains or treasures.
  • In romantic comedies, the pursuit often involves humorous and heartwarming attempts to win someone's heart.
  • Video games frequently feature quests or missions where characters pursue objectives, increasing engagement through interactive storytelling.

Science

  • In ecology, predator-prey relationships exemplify the concept of pursuit, where predators chase prey for survival.
  • The study of animal behavior often examines how species pursue mates, impacting evolution and biodiversity.
  • Research in physics addresses pursuit in terms of movement and speed, analyzing how objects interact in motion.

Translations

Translations of the word "pursued" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perseguido

🇮🇳 पीछा किया गया

🇩🇪 verfolgt

🇮🇩 dikejar

🇺🇦 переслідуваний

🇵🇱 ścigany

🇯🇵 追跡された

🇫🇷 poursuivi

🇪🇸 perseguido

🇹🇷 taciz edilen

🇰🇷 추적된

🇸🇦 مطارد

🇨🇿 pronásledovaný

🇸🇰 prenasledovaný

🇨🇳 追逐的

🇸🇮 preganjan

🇮🇸 veiddur

🇰🇿 қудаланған

🇬🇪 დევნილი

🇦🇿 təqib edilən

🇲🇽 perseguido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,024, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.