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View synonyms for

pursue

[ per-soo ]

verb (used with object)

pursued, pursuing.
  1. to follow in order to overtake, capture, kill, etc.; chase.

    Synonyms: , ,

  2. to follow close upon; go with; attend:

    Bad luck pursued him.

    Synonyms:

  3. to strive to gain; seek to attain or accomplish (an end, object, purpose, etc.).
  4. to proceed in accordance with (a method, plan, etc.).
  5. to carry on or continue (a course of action, a train of thought, an inquiry, studies, etc.).
  6. to continue to annoy, afflict, or trouble.
  7. to practice (an occupation, pastime, etc.).
  8. to continue to discuss (a subject, topic, etc.).
  9. to follow:

    They pursued the river to its source. I felt their eyes pursuing me.

  10. to continue; go on with (one's course, a journey, etc.).


verb (used without object)

pursued, pursuing.
  1. to chase after someone or something; to follow in pursuit:

    They spotted the suspect but decided not to pursue.

  2. to continue.

pursue

/ əˈː /

verb

  1. also intr to follow (a fugitive, etc) in order to capture or overtake
  2. (esp of something bad or unlucky) to follow closely or accompany

    ill health pursued her

  3. to seek or strive to attain (some object, desire, etc)
  4. to follow the precepts of (a plan, policy, etc)
  5. to apply oneself to (one's studies, hobbies, etc)
  6. to follow persistently or seek to become acquainted with
  7. to continue to discuss or argue (a point, subject, etc)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ܰˈܱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ܰ··· adjective
  • dzܳ·ܰ·ܱ verb (used with object) outpursued outpursuing
  • ·ܰ·ܱ verb (used with object) repursued repursuing
  • un·ܰ··· adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pursue1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English pursuen, from Anglo-French pursuer, ultimately from Latin ōī “to pursue, follow, continue”; pro- 1, sue, prosecute
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pursue1

C13: from Anglo-Norman pursiwer, from Old French poursivre, from Latin ōī to follow after
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

She was pursuing an online psychology degree, and had been dating Charron, an Air Force veteran, for just a few months.

From

After being appointed, Rubasingham joked she spent "six to eight months doggedly pursuing Stormzy and his team", and he came on board after visiting the building.

From

After winning his first election, however, he ultimately did not pursue any legal action against Clinton.

From

The university will seek additional public funding under the new scheme, which would also see further cost reductions pursued and a new operating model put into place.

From

By the time he was 12, his coaches were confident enough to let him pursue cricket professionally.

From

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