Pursue Meaning

Meaning of Word

Pursue means to follow or chase something with the intention of achieving or obtaining it. It can refer to chasing after something physically or metaphorically, such as a goal, dream, or objective.

Definitions and Meaning in English

Verb: To follow or chase something or someone, usually in an attempt to catch or achieve it.
Verb: To engage in or continue an activity or interest over a period of time.
Verb: To seek to attain or accomplish something, such as a career, goal, or objective.
Verb: To investigate or engage in a particular subject, activity, or line of inquiry.

History and Origin

The word “pursue” comes from the Middle English word “pursuen”, which is derived from Old French “poursuivre” (to follow or chase), from the Latin “prosequi” (to follow, to accompany), from “pro-“ (forward) and “sequi” (to follow). The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the act of following or striving after something.

Detailed Explanation

To “pursue” something can mean to follow it with the intention of catching it, whether it’s a person, an object, or a goal. The term is often used metaphorically to refer to chasing after ambitions, desires, or objectives. It suggests persistence, effort, and a proactive approach toward achieving something. For example, one might pursue a career in law, a personal dream, or academic knowledge. It can also refer to continuing an activity or following up on a task or investigation until it is completed. The concept of pursuit is usually tied to a sense of direction and intent, requiring focused action over time.

Example Sentences

She decided to pursue a career in medicine after graduating from college.
The police officer pursued the suspect on foot through the streets.
He is pursuing his dreams of becoming an artist in New York City.
They pursued the investigation despite many obstacles.
The company is actively pursuing new opportunities in international markets.
He chose to pursue a degree in engineering at a top university.
She has been pursuing a healthier lifestyle for the past few months.
The team pursued the championship with determination and hard work.
After years of hard work, he finally achieved the success he had been pursuing.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

Chase: To follow someone or something in an attempt to catch them, often used in a physical sense.
Seek: To attempt to find or obtain something, often used in the context of searching for goals or answers.
Follow: To move or travel behind something or someone, often used in a figurative sense for pursuing goals.
Strive: To make great efforts toward achieving something, often involving sustained energy and focus.
Hunt: To search for something, often used metaphorically to describe the pursuit of objectives or goals.

Related Words with Short Explanation

Ambition: A strong desire to achieve something, often the motivating force behind pursuit.
Goal: The target or objective that one is working to achieve through pursuit.
Drive: The internal motivation or determination to pursue one’s goals or ambitions.
Endeavor: A serious effort or attempt to achieve something, closely tied to pursuing objectives.
Chase: A literal or figurative pursuit, often associated with following or running after something.

More Matches with Short Explanation

Pursue a Dream: To actively follow or strive to achieve a personal or professional aspiration.
Pursue a Career: To engage in a specific profession or path over a long period.
Pursue Justice: To take steps in legal or moral matters to achieve fairness.
Pursue Knowledge: The ongoing process of seeking education or information.
Pursue Happiness: The act of striving to attain personal fulfillment or emotional well-being.

Antonyms

Avoid: To keep away from something or not engage with it, the opposite of pursuing it.
Neglect: To fail to give proper attention to something, essentially not pursuing it.
Quit: To stop trying to achieve something, opposite of the continued effort implied in pursuing.
Surrender: To give up or cease pursuing something, especially in the face of difficulty.
Ignore: To intentionally disregard or not pay attention to something, the opposite of pursuing it.