pursue
puh-SYOO
Pursue (verb) means to follow someone or something in order to catch them. Example: “The dog pursued the rabbit across the field until it disappeared into the hedge.”
verb
1
To follow someone or something in order to catch them.
"The dog pursued the rabbit across the field until it disappeared into the hedge."
"A fox pursued the chickens around the farmyard at dawn."
"The police pursued the suspect through the alley."
2
To work toward or continue with a goal, activity, or career.
"Many students pursue their dream of becoming an artist after they leave school."
"She decided to pursue a career in medicine."
"He pursued his hobby of woodworking every weekend."
How to use pursue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo chase after someone, or to keep working toward a goal or interest.
Common pairings
pursue a career
pursue happiness
pursue a suspect
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- pursues
- Past tense
- pursued
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The dog _____ the rabbit across the field until it disappeared into the hedge.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman pursure, from Latin prōsequor ("to follow after"). A doublet of prosecute.
Related words
Rhymes for pursue
See all rhymes for pursue →Frequently asked questions
What does “pursue” mean?
The word “pursue” means to follow someone or something in order to catch them. In plain terms, to chase after someone, or to keep working toward a goal or interest.
How do you pronounce “pursue”?
“Pursue” is pronounced puh-SYOO (/pɚˈsu/ in IPA).
How do you use “pursue” in a sentence?
Here is “pursue” used in a sentence: “The police pursued the suspect through the alley.”
What part of speech is “pursue”?
“Pursue” is a verb.
Where does the word “pursue” come from?
The word “pursue” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman pursure, from Latin prōsequor ("to follow after"). A doublet of prosecute.
Is “pursue” a common word?
“Pursue” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pursue” have?
“Pursue” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to follow someone or something in order to catch them.
What is the difference between "pursue" and "chase"?
Both can mean to follow someone in order to catch them, but "chase" usually suggests fast, physical pursuit, while "pursue" is more formal and also carries the figurative sense of working toward a goal. You chase a bus, but you pursue a career.
Is it spelled "pursue" or "persue"?
The correct spelling is "pursue," beginning with "pur-"; "persue" is a common misspelling. The related noun is "pursuit," and a person doing the following is a "pursuer."
When should you use "pursue" instead of "follow"?
Use "pursue" when there is intent to catch, achieve, or continue with something, whereas "follow" can simply mean going behind or after without that purpose. You might follow a path, but you pursue a suspect or pursue a dream.
What are common phrases with "pursue"?
Frequent collocations include "pursue a career," "pursue a goal," "pursue a dream," "pursue legal action," and "pursue further studies." In these uses "pursue" means to actively work toward something.
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