Definition

1. Verb:
   • To follow or chase someone or something, typically in order to catch or attack them: This is the most literal meaning, involving physical movement.
   • To engage in or continue with an activity, interest, or course of action over time: This meaning involves dedication to a goal, study, or hobby.
   • To seek to achieve or obtain something, such as a goal, objective, or desire: This meaning focuses on striving for an abstract outcome.
   • To proceed along a path or route: This is a more formal or literary use meaning to follow a course.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (To chase/follow):

  • The police officer decided to pursue the speeding car.
  • The cat pursued the mouse across the kitchen floor.

• Verb (To engage in/continue an activity):

  • She decided to pursue a degree in engineering.
  • He has pursued his interest in photography for many years.

• Verb (To seek to achieve):

  • The company is pursuing new markets in Asia.
  • He pursued his dream of becoming a pilot with great determination.

• Verb (To proceed along a path):

  • We pursued a winding trail through the forest.

Advanced Usage

• "To pursue a line of inquiry/questioning": To follow a specific path in an investigation or discussion.

  • The detective pursued a new line of inquiry based on the fresh evidence.

• "To pursue a matter": To take action on or continue dealing with an issue.

  • The committee will pursue this matter at the next meeting.

• "To pursue one's own interests": To act in a way that benefits oneself.

  • In this negotiation, each party is pursuing its own interests.

Variants and Related Words

• Pursuer (n): A person or thing that follows or chases someone.

  • The pursuer gained ground on the fleeing suspect.

• Pursuant (adj): Following, accompanying, or as a result of something (often used in formal or legal contexts: "pursuant to").

  • The changes were made pursuant to the new regulations.

• Pursuance (n): The carrying out or continuation of a plan or action (formal).

  • In pursuance of his duties, he visited the site.

Synonyms

• Chase: To follow quickly in order to catch.
• Follow: To go or come after.
• Engage in: To take part in an activity.
• Seek: To try to find or obtain.
• Prosecute (formal): To carry forward an action or endeavor.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pursue after (somewhat formal/archaic): To chase or follow.
  • The knights pursued after the dragon.

Related Idioms

• Hot pursuit: An immediate and determined chase.

  • The border guards were in hot pursuit of the smugglers.

• Pursue the truth: To seek to discover what is true or real.

  • As a journalist, her job is to pursue the truth.

Verb

1. carry further or advance
   • Can you act on this matter soon?
2. go in search of or hunt for
   • pursue a hobby
3. follow in or as if in pursuit
   • The police car pursued the suspected attacker
   • Her bad deed followed her and haunted her dreams all her life
4. carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
   • She pursued many activities
   • They engaged in a discussion