Sought: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”
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sought

 

[ sษ”หt ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Look for or attempt to find (something).

Synonyms

hunt for, look for, search for, try to find.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sought

Typically used in past tense to indicate a determined search for something or someone. Often used in formal or written contexts.

  • He sought advice from his teacher
  • They sought refuge from the storm
search for

Used in both formal and informal contexts, usually denotes a thorough or systematic search.

  • The police are searching for the suspect
  • He searched for information on the internet
look for

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate searching for something. It's neutral and versatile.

  • I am looking for my glasses
  • They are looking for a solution to the problem
hunt for

Implies a more aggressive or intensive search. Can be used for both physical and metaphorical searches.

  • They hunted for the missing keys all morning
  • She is hunting for a new job
try to find

Indicates an attempt to locate something, suggesting that finding it might be challenging or uncertain.

  • She tried to find her way in the dark
  • They are trying to find the best route

Examples of usage

  • He sought help from his friends.
  • The police are seeking information about the incident.
  • She sought advice from a professional.
Context #2 | Adjective

formal

After much effort or difficulty.

Synonyms

desired, longed for, sought after, sought for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sought

Use when referring to the act of searching or looking for something. It often implies effort and determination.

  • She sought help from a counselor
  • The detective sought the truth
sought after

Use to describe something that is in high demand and wanted by many people. Often implies rarity or high value.

  • That brand of sneakers is highly sought after
  • The professorโ€™s lectures are sought after by many students
desired

Use when expressing a strong wish or want for something, often implying a personal or subjective feeling.

  • He desired a new car
  • She desired to travel the world
sought for

Use to emphasize the object of a search or desire, but can sound a bit more formal or literary.

  • The treasure that was sought for by many adventurers
  • Assistance is often sought for by those in need
longed for

Use to describe a deep, intense feeling of wanting something, often over a long period of time.

  • He longed for her presence
  • She longed for the days of her childhood

Examples of usage

  • He finally succeeded after a sought struggle.
  • The sought after prize was finally won.
  • The sought solution to the problem was discovered.

Translations

Translations of the word "sought" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น procurado(a)

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ€ เคฎเคพเค‚เค— เค•เฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช gesucht

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dicari

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆัƒะบะฐะปะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ poszukiwany

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆฑ‚ใ‚ใ‚‰ใ‚ŒใŸ (ใ‚‚ใจใ‚ใ‚‰ใ‚ŒใŸ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท recherchรฉ(e)

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ buscado(a)

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท aranan

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฐพ์•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุทู„ูˆุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hledanรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hฤพadanรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœๅฏป (sลuxรบn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ iskano

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ leitaรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั–ะทะดะตะณะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒซแƒ”แƒ‘แƒœแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ axtarฤฑlan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ buscado(a)

Etymology

The word 'sought' is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'seek'. The verb 'seek' originated from the Old English word 'sฤ“can', which means 'to go in search of'. Over time, the word 'sought' has evolved to represent the act of looking for or attempting to find something. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate the action of searching or striving for a goal.

See also: beseech, seek, seeker, seekers, seeking.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,475, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.