Finesentence logo

Pursuit: meaning, definitions and examples

🏃
Add to dictionary

pursuit

 

[ pərˈsuːt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in life

The act of chasing or seeking something eagerly or actively. It involves the effort to attain a goal, whether it is physical or abstract.

Synonyms

hunt, quest, search

Examples of usage

  • She was dedicated to her pursuit of happiness.
  • His pursuit of knowledge led him to earn multiple degrees.
  • I admire her pursuit of excellence in everything she does.
Context #2 | Noun

in sports

The act of trying to catch or defeat someone or something, typically in a competitive activity such as a race or game.

Synonyms

chase, competition, race

Examples of usage

  • His pursuit of the opposing player was relentless.
  • She won the gold medal in the pursuit event.
Context #3 | Noun

in law enforcement

The act of following or chasing someone, especially as part of a police operation.

Synonyms

chase, pursuance

Examples of usage

  • The pursuit of the criminal ended in a dramatic arrest.
  • The police initiated a pursuit to apprehend the suspect.

Translations

Translations of the word "pursuit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perseguição

🇮🇳 पीछा

🇩🇪 Verfolgung

🇮🇩 pengejaran

🇺🇦 переслідування

🇵🇱 pościg

🇯🇵 追跡 (ついせき)

🇫🇷 poursuite

🇪🇸 persecución

🇹🇷 takip

🇰🇷 추격 (chugyeok)

🇸🇦 مطاردة

🇨🇿 pronásledování

🇸🇰 prenasledovanie

🇨🇳 追逐 (zhuīzhú)

🇸🇮 preganjanje

🇮🇸 eftirför

🇰🇿 қуғындау

🇬🇪 დევნა

🇦🇿 təqib

🇲🇽 persecución

Etymology

The word 'pursuit' originated from the Old French word 'poursuite', which came from the verb 'poursuivre' meaning 'to chase, pursue'. The term has been used in English since the late 14th century primarily in the context of hunting and chasing. Over time, it expanded to encompass various aspects of seeking or chasing something actively, whether it be a goal, a target, or an individual. 'Pursuit' embodies the essence of determination and effort in the journey towards achieving something desired.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,454, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.