Meaning of Word
Seek means to try to find, look for, or attempt to obtain something or someone. It can also imply pursuing or striving for a goal or objective.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- To attempt to find something or someone.
- To strive to obtain or achieve something.
- To ask for or request something, typically in a formal or serious manner.
- To search for a solution, understanding, or guidance.
History and Origin
The word seek comes from the Old English word secian, which means “to search for” or “to try to find.” It has Proto-Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German sēkan and Dutch zoeken. The word has been used in English since the early medieval period and has maintained its core meaning of searching or attempting to obtain something throughout its history.
Detailed Explanation
Seek is a verb that refers to the action of trying to find, obtain, or achieve something. This can involve physical searching, such as looking for a lost item, or more abstract pursuits, such as seeking knowledge, approval, or success. The word can also describe a more formal or intentional effort, such as seeking advice or help from others. Seeking implies a goal-directed effort, whether for tangible things (like food or shelter) or intangible things (like happiness or truth). The word is often used in contexts where an individual is actively pursuing something or making an effort to reach a desired outcome.
Example Sentences
- She decided to seek advice from her mentor before making a big decision.
- The police are actively seeking the suspect in connection with the crime.
- After hours of searching, they still couldn’t seek out the missing keys.
- They traveled to the mountains to seek peace and solitude.
- Many people seek happiness in material wealth, but true contentment comes from within.
- He went to the library to seek information for his research paper.
- The company is seeking qualified candidates for the open position.
- He seeks justice for the victims of the unfair system.
- During the meeting, they sought ways to improve the project’s outcome.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Search – To look carefully for something or someone.
- Pursue – To chase or follow in order to obtain something.
- Look for – To search or try to find something or someone.
- Hunt – To search intensely, often over a period of time, to find something.
- Quest – A long or adventurous search, often for something significant.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Search – The act of trying to find something, typically involving effort or examination.
- Ask – To inquire about something, often as part of seeking information.
- Chase – To pursue or follow in order to catch or attain something.
- Request – The act of formally or politely asking for something.
- Aspire – To aim or seek to achieve something, often through ambition or hard work.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Seek out – To actively look for or try to find someone or something.
- Seek refuge – To look for a safe place or shelter, often in times of danger or distress.
- Seek advice – To ask for guidance or recommendations from others.
- Seek attention – To try to attract the interest or focus of others.
- Seek solace – To look for comfort or relief, particularly in times of sorrow or distress.
Antonyms
- Avoid
- Neglect
- Shun
- Ignore
- Dismiss