Pursue Meaning

UK /pəˈsjuː/
US /pərˈsuː/
Word Definition
pursue meaning

Pursue Definition & Usage

verb

To follow or chase something with the intention of catching or attaining it.

Examples

  • "She decided to pursue her dreams of becoming an artist."
  • "The police are actively pursuing the suspect across the city."
  • "After the ball, he ran down the field to pursue a winning goal."
  • "He pursued a degree in law at the university."
  • "They pursued the lost treasure for years before finally finding it."
verb

To engage in an activity or to follow a particular course of action with dedicated effort over time.

Examples

  • "The company is pursuing new marketing strategies to increase sales."
  • "They pursued aggressive research to develop the new technology."
  • "The team is pursuing solutions to the environmental crisis."
  • "She plans to pursue a career in healthcare after graduation."
  • "We will pursue all legal options to resolve the dispute."
verb

To seek after something, especially a goal or ideal, with a strong sense of dedication or ambition.

Examples

  • "He has always pursued knowledge with an unrelenting passion."
  • "They pursued justice for decades, despite many setbacks."
  • "She spent her life pursuing inner peace and spiritual fulfillment."
  • "The philosopher pursued the truth about human existence."
  • "They pursued equality and fairness through their activism."

Cultural Context

The word 'pursue' has its origins in Middle English and Old French, from the Latin 'persequi', meaning to follow or chase after. In English, it has retained its association with both physical and metaphorical chasing or striving. 'Pursue' often connotes an ongoing, deliberate effort and has been used widely in literature, law, business, and philosophy. The act of pursuing is not just limited to catching or attaining a goal but often symbolizes persistence, struggle, and purpose.

The Pursuit of Passion

Story

The Pursuit of Passion

In the small town of Ashford, Emma had always dreamed of becoming a renowned writer. From an early age, she pursued this goal with a fierce determination. Even as a young girl, she filled notebooks with stories and poems, each one a step closer to her dream. As the years passed, Emma continued to write, despite the challenges she faced. She pursued every opportunity to improve her craft, attending workshops, reading extensively, and submitting her work to various publishers. But it wasn’t just about writing for Emma; it was about finding a way to connect with others through her words. She believed that literature could inspire change, provoke thought, and create empathy. So, even when rejection letters piled up, Emma refused to give up. Her pursuit of a meaningful career was unwavering. One evening, after months of rejections, Emma received an email that changed everything. A publisher had offered her a book deal. Overwhelmed with emotion, she smiled and remembered all the late nights she had spent writing, the doubts she had battled, and the passion that had driven her forward. Her pursuit had led her to this moment, and though it was just the beginning, Emma knew that every step she had taken was worth it. The journey wasn’t over; it had only just begun.

The Pursuit of Passion