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Pursuits Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pursuits

[pərˈso͞ots ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

career

Activities that someone spends a lot of time doing because they are interested in or enjoy them.

Synonyms

activities, hobbies, interests.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pursuits

Use 'pursuits' to describe activities or interests that someone engages in regularly or with dedication, often involving some effort or intent to achieve something. This term is more formal and can imply a goal-oriented or professional context.

  • His pursuits in the field of science have earned him numerous awards.
  • In her leisure time, she enjoys various artistic pursuits.
activities

Activities refer to things people do, often for enjoyment, relaxation, or to accomplish something. This is a general term that can apply to any kind of action or task.

  • The children participated in outdoor activities during the school trip.
  • The club offers a variety of activities such as yoga and painting.
interests

Interests describe things or topics that catch a person's attention or curiosity. These can relate to hobbies but also include broader subjects and areas of curiosity.

  • She has a keen interest in astronomy.
  • His interests vary from technology to literature.
hobbies

Hobbies are activities done regularly for pleasure during free time. This term is used in informal contexts and indicates something people do to relax or enjoy themselves.

  • His hobbies include gardening and playing the guitar.
  • She took up painting as a hobby to unwind after work.

Examples of usage

  • He was tired of his mundane pursuits and wanted to explore something new.
  • Her artistic pursuits led her to travel around the world.
  • I have many different pursuits, from painting to playing musical instruments.
Context #2 | Noun

law enforcement

The act of following or chasing someone or something in order to catch or attack them.

Synonyms

chase, hunt, pursuit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pursuits

Used to describe activities or hobbies someone regularly engages in.

  • Her favorite pursuits include hiking and painting.
  • He has many intellectual pursuits such as reading and chess.
chase

Used to describe the act of following or running after someone or something with the intent to catch them, often in a physical or metaphorical sense.

  • The police were in a high-speed chase with the suspect.
  • He will do anything to chase his dreams.
hunt

Used to describe the act of searching for something or trying to capture a target, commonly in the context of animals or resources.

  • They went on a hunt for the best restaurant in town.
  • The hunters prepared for the annual deer hunt.
pursuit

Used to describe the effort to achieve or obtain something, often implying long-term commitment or an ongoing process.

  • The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong endeavor.
  • Their pursuit of happiness led them to move to a new country.

Examples of usage

  • The police officer was in pursuit of the criminal.
  • The pursuit of the suspect led to a high-speed chase.
  • They were in hot pursuit of the stolen car.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that pursuing meaningful goals can greatly increase happiness and life satisfaction.
  • Engagement in pursuits can create a state of 'flow,' where individuals lose track of time and are fully immersed in their activity.

Culture

  • In literature and films, the theme of a pursuit often symbolizes a character's journey for personal growth or achievement.
  • The phrase 'pursuit of happiness' from the Declaration of Independence emphasizes the universal right to seek personal fulfillment.

Recreation

  • Hobbies can be considered pursuits; they provide a way to explore interests, like painting or playing a musical instrument.
  • Adventure sports such as rock climbing or surfing are popular pursuits for those seeking thrills and connection with nature.

Education

  • Pursuits in education can refer to academic or career goals, helping individuals define their professional paths.
  • Extracurricular activities in schools are designed to encourage students to explore various pursuits beyond core academics.

Origin of 'pursuits'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pursuitus,' which means 'to follow or chase after.'
  • It evolved into Middle French 'poursuite,' before being adopted into English in the 14th century, capturing the essence of chasing goals.

The word 'pursuits' originated from the Old French word 'porsuite', which means 'a chase or pursuit'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both the idea of following one's interests and passions, as well as the act of chasing or hunting. The concept of pursuits has been integral to human history, from pursuing knowledge and art to pursuing justice and truth.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,348 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.