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noun C1 Advanced Common

quest

kwehst

Quest (noun) means a long or difficult search or journey undertaken to achieve a goal. Example: “The knight set out on a quest to find the lost sword.”

noun
1
A long or difficult search or journey undertaken to achieve a goal.
"The knight set out on a quest to find the lost sword."
"Her quest for the perfect recipe took years."
2
In a video game, a specific task or mission a player completes for a reward.
"You need to finish this quest before unlocking the next level."
"The side quest gave extra experience points."
verb
1
To search or journey in pursuit of a goal.
"The hero quested for years before finding the treasure."
"They quested across the kingdom looking for allies."

How to Use Quest

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA determined search or mission, whether in real life, literature, or a video game.

Common pairings
embark on a quest quest for side quest

Word Forms

quested past tense, quests plural, quests plural, Quests plural, quests singular

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The knight set out on a _____ to find the lost sword.

Etymology

From Old French queste, "search, hunt," from Latin quaerere, "to seek."

Origin: Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for quest

See all rhymes for quest →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “quest” mean?

The word “quest” means a long or difficult search or journey undertaken to achieve a goal. In plain terms, a determined search or mission, whether in real life, literature, or a video game.

How do you pronounce “quest”?

“Quest” is pronounced kwehst (/kwɛst/ in IPA).

How do you use “quest” in a sentence?

Here is “quest” used in a sentence: “The knight set out on a quest to find the lost sword.”

What part of speech is “quest”?

Depending on how it is used, “quest” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “quest” come from?

The word “quest” comes from Latin. From Old French queste, "search, hunt," from Latin quaerere, "to seek.".

Is “quest” a common word?

“Quest” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “quest” have?

“Quest” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long or difficult search or journey undertaken to achieve a goal.

What is the difference between a quest and a journey?

A quest is a long or difficult search or journey undertaken to achieve a specific goal, so it always has a purpose or prize in mind. A journey can simply be travel from one place to another, without any particular objective.

What preposition follows quest?

Quest is most often followed by for, as in a quest for knowledge or a quest for justice. The for phrase names the goal that the search or journey is undertaken to achieve.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial