WordGarden.iopursuit
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /pəsˈuːt/
US
- /pərˈsut/
Meanings
Noun
an act or event of chasing someone or something to catch them
the act of trying to achieve, obtain, or reach something
an activity, occupation, or pastime that someone engages in
Beyond the definition
A pursuit is more than simply running after something. It is the act of trying hard to reach a goal, follow an interest, or catch someone or something. You might picture a detective in pursuit of a criminal, or someone in the pursuit of happiness, knowledge, or success. The word often suggests steady effort over time.
It is a noun, and it is closely related to the verb pursue. A pursuit can be practical, like the pursuit of a job, or personal, like the pursuit of art, love, or truth. It can also mean an activity someone spends time on, especially one they care about deeply.
The word "pursuit" usually describes a serious effort to get, reach, or follow something. In the most literal sense, it can mean a chase. A police officer in pursuit of a suspect is actively following them, trying to catch them. In this use, the word has movement, pressure, and clear purpose.
But the word is very often used in a wider and more abstract way. We talk about the pursuit of happiness, knowledge, justice, success, or love. Here, it does not mean a physical chase. It means a steady attempt to reach something important. A scientist may devote years to the pursuit of a cure. An athlete may give everything to the pursuit of a championship. In these examples, the word suggests focus, effort, and long-term commitment.
"Pursuit" can also mean an activity or interest that someone spends time on. If someone enjoys creative pursuits, they may spend their free time writing, painting, or making music. If a school supports academic pursuits, it supports study and learning. This use is common when talking about hobbies, studies, and personal goals.
The exact meaning depends on the context, but the core idea stays the same: someone is following something with purpose. Sometimes that means chasing a person, and sometimes it means working toward an aim or giving time to an activity that matters to them.
Examples
- 1
Personal goals
She moved abroad in pursuit of a better life.
- Patternin pursuit of + goal
trying to get or achieve it
- 2
Profit motive
The company’s decisions were driven by the pursuit of profit.
- 3
Serious activity
For him, painting started as a hobby but became a serious pursuit.
- Phrasea serious pursuit
an activity someone gives a lot of time and effort to
- 4
Program activities
The summer program encourages both academic and creative pursuits.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Police chase
The police ended the pursuit when the driver turned onto a crowded street.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pursuitnoun
Forms
- pursuitspluralnoun