adj
Uncommon
pursuant
puh-SYOO-uhnt
Pursuant (adj) means In accordance with or following from something, typically a law or agreement — used with "to.". Example: “The refund was issued pursuant to company policy.”
adj
1
In accordance with or following from something, typically a law or agreement — used with "to."
"The refund was issued pursuant to company policy."
How to use pursuant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn keeping with, or as required by — almost always followed by "to" in legal or formal writing.
When to use it
Formal, mainly legal and bureaucratic language; rarely used in casual speech.
Common pairings
pursuant to the contract
pursuant to section 5
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more pursuant
- Superlative
- most pursuant
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The refund was issued _____ to company policy.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman pursuant, the present participle of pursure ("to pursue"). A doublet of pursuivant.
Synonyms
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in accordance with
in compliance with
conforming to
Related words
Rhymes for pursuant
See all rhymes for pursuant →Frequently asked questions
What does “pursuant” mean?
The word “pursuant” means in accordance with or following from something, typically a law or agreement — used with "to.". In plain terms, in keeping with, or as required by — almost always followed by "to" in legal or formal writing.
How do you pronounce “pursuant”?
“Pursuant” is pronounced puh-SYOO-uhnt (/pɚˈsu.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “pursuant” in a sentence?
Here is “pursuant” used in a sentence: “The refund was issued pursuant to company policy.”
What part of speech is “pursuant”?
“Pursuant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “pursuant” come from?
The word “pursuant” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman pursuant, the present participle of pursure ("to pursue"). A doublet of pursuivant.
Is “pursuant” a common word?
“Pursuant” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is pursuant always followed by the word to?
Yes, pursuant is almost always used together with 'to,' as in 'pursuant to the agreement' or 'pursuant to section 5.' It does not normally stand alone before a noun without 'to' connecting it.
What is the difference between pursuant to and according to?
Pursuant to is a formal, often legal phrase meaning 'in accordance with' a law, rule, or agreement, while according to is more neutral and can introduce any source of information, including a person's statement. Pursuant to is rarely used outside formal or legal writing.
Is pursuant considered formal or informal language?
Pursuant is formal language typically found in legal documents, contracts, and official correspondence. It would sound unnaturally stiff in casual conversation, where phrases like 'in line with' or 'following' are more common.
