pursue

Pronunciation: /pəˈsjuː/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of pursue

To actively follow or strive to achieve something, whether it be a goal, objective, or person, often with determination and persistence.

Origin of pursue

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: prosequi

Original meaning: to follow after

How it evolved: Originally used to describe chasing an enemy, the term evolved to signify any act of striving or seeking with determination.

The word 'pursue' originates from the Old French 'pursuir', which in turn comes from the Latin 'prosequi', meaning 'to follow after.' Initially, it referred to following an enemy or fleeing person, but its usage broadened over time to include any determined effort to achieve a goal.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember pursue

Think of 'pursue' as 'purr-suit'—imagine a cat in a suit chasing after a dream or goal with unmatched focus!

Synonyms for pursue

  • chase
  • endeavor
  • aspire
  • seek
  • strive
  • trail
  • prosecute
  • pursuant

Antonyms of pursue

pursue in a Sentence

  1. Despite numerous setbacks, she continued to pursue her dream of becoming a published author with unwavering determination.
  2. The detective was relentless in his efforts to pursue the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.
  3. He chose to pursue a career in environmental law to address the critical challenges of climate change.

pursue in Literature & Culture

The concept of pursuing one's dreams or goals is a central theme in literature and philosophy, famously echoed in works like Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' and the American Declaration of Independence with its 'pursuit of happiness' clause.

Usage Notes

While 'pursue' often carries a positive connotation of determination, it can also imply relentless or aggressive behavior in certain contexts, such as legal or romantic pursuits.

Why pursue Matters for GRE & SAT

This word frequently appears on the GRE due to its versatility in describing goal-oriented actions, making it a valuable addition to any essay or analytical writing task.

Word Family

pursuit (noun)
The act of chasing or striving after something.
pursuable (adjective)
Capable of being followed or sought after.
pursuer (noun)
One who chases or strives to achieve a goal.

Did You Know?

  • In medieval times, 'pursue' was often used in legal contexts, indicating the act of suing or prosecuting someone.
  • The word 'pursue' is frequently used in literature to describe quests and adventures, such as the pursuit of the Holy Grail.
  • The idiom 'pursue happiness' became widely popularized by the Declaration of Independence, where it is listed as an unalienable right.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with P

  • pacify — bring peace to or calm someone down
  • pacify — bring peace to or calm someone down
  • painstaking — Done with or employing great care and thoroughness
  • painstaking — done with careful attention to detail
  • painstaking — done with careful attention to detail
  • palpable — tangible, perceptible, or clearly noticeable
  • palpable — So intense as to seem almost tangible
  • palpable — tangible, perceptible, or clearly noticeable
  • paltry — of little monetary worth; trivial
  • paltry — of little monetary worth; trivial