WordGarden.iopursue
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /pəsjˈuː/
US
- /pərˈsu/
Meanings
Verb
to try to achieve, carry out, or keep working toward something
to follow or chase someone or something in order to catch them
to try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with someone
Beyond the definition
To pursue something means to go after it and keep at it over time. It may be a person, an animal, a goal, or a way of life. You can pursue a dream, pursue a career, or pursue more knowledge. A police officer may pursue a suspect, and a student may pursue a subject they love. In each case, the idea is not just wanting something, but continuing to move toward it.
The word often carries a sense of purpose and steady effort. Sometimes the action is physical, like chasing someone down the street. Sometimes it is more about life choices, like working toward success or trying to find peace and happiness. The meaning stays close to the same: you keep going after something that matters to you.
To pursue means to follow, chase, or work toward someone or something in a steady and active way. Sometimes the meaning is physical. A hunter may pursue an animal, or the police may pursue a car that is trying to get away. In these cases, there is movement, direction, and an effort to catch up.
Very often, though, the word is used in a broader way. People pursue dreams, goals, careers, studies, love, peace, or better health. Here, the idea is not about running after something with your feet, but about giving time and energy to reach a result. If someone pursues a career in medicine, they study, train, and keep moving toward that goal. If someone pursues happiness, they make choices that they hope will lead them there.
The word can also suggest continuing with a plan, activity, or line of thought. A company may pursue a new strategy. A writer may pursue an idea through a whole book. A teacher may encourage students to pursue their interests further. In each case, there is a sense of staying with something instead of dropping it quickly.
Overall, pursue is a word for following with purpose. It can describe a chase, a long effort, or a serious attempt to reach something important. The exact meaning depends on the context, but the central idea stays the same: someone keeps going after a person, thing, or goal.
Examples
- 1
Police chase
The police pursued the motorbike through the narrow streets.
- 2
Career goals
After graduation, she pursued a career in journalism.
- 3
Graduate study
He went to Canada to pursue a master's degree.
- Patternpursue a degree
study for it
- 4
Personal dream
She finally decided to pursue her dream of opening a small cafe.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business opportunities
The company is pursuing new business opportunities overseas.
- 6
Complaint process
We chose not to pursue the complaint any further.
- Patternpursue a complaint
continue taking action about it
- 7
Investigation
Detectives are pursuing several possible leads.
- Patternpursue a lead
continue investigating it
- 8
Unwanted attention
He kept pursuing her even after she made it clear she wasn't interested.
- Patternpursue someone
try to start a romantic relationship with them
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pursueverb
Forms
- pursuing-ing formverb
- pursuedpast tenseverb
- pursuesverb