Pursue — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /pər-ˈsü/ pur·sue

Meaning & Definition of Pursue

Pursue (verb)

  1. to follow in order to overtake, catch, kill, or defeat
  2. to find or employ measures to obtain or accomplish, seek
  3. to proceed along

Pursue (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to go after or on the track of

    "the policeman doggedly pursued the pickpocket through the crowded subway station"

    similar: bird-dog, chase, course, dog, follow, hound, run, shadow, tag, tail, trace, track, trail, run after
    related: accompany, chaperone, escort, hunt, search (for), seek, eye, observe, watch
    opposite: guide, lead, pilot
    near: head

  2. to go in search of

    "urged the graduates to pursue personal fulfillment instead of financial success"

    similar: cast about (for), cast around (for), chase (down), forage (for), hunt, look up, quest, search (for or out), seek, shop (for), look for
    related: ferret (out), root (out)
    near: hide, lose, ignore, neglect

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Pursue

The most common words with a similar meaning to Pursue:

bird-dog, chase, course, dog, follow, hound, run, shadow, tag, tail, trace, track, trail, cast about (for), cast around (for), chase (down), forage (for), hunt, look up, quest, search (for or out), seek, shop (for), run after, look for

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Pursue

Words with the opposite meaning of Pursue:

guide, lead, pilot

Related Words for Pursue

accompany, chaperone, escort, search (for), eye, observe, watch, ferret (out), root (out)

Near Antonyms of Pursue

head, hide, lose, ignore, neglect

Word Forms of Pursue

Inflections: pursued, pursuing

Derived words: pursuer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Pursue

Middle English, from Anglo-French pursure, pursiure, from Latin prosequi, from pro- forward + sequi to follow pro-, sue

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Pursue

Frequently Asked Questions about Pursue

What does "Pursue" mean?

"Pursue" means to follow in order to overtake, catch, kill, or defeat. As a verb, it is defined as: to follow in order to overtake, catch, kill, or defeat. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Pursue"?

Other words for "Pursue" include bird-dog, chase, course, dog, follow, hound, run and shadow. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Pursue" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Pursue"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Pursue". Common alternatives include bird-dog, chase, course, dog, follow, hound, run, shadow, tag and tail.

What is the opposite of "Pursue"?

Antonyms of "Pursue" include guide, lead and pilot. Near antonyms include head, hide, lose and ignore.

How do you use "Pursue" in a sentence?

Examples of "Pursue" in a sentence: "the policeman doggedly pursued the pickpocket through the crowded subway station"; "urged the graduates to pursue personal fulfillment instead of financial success".

Is "Pursue" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Pursue" is a verb.

Is "Pursue" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Pursue" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Pursue"?

"Pursue" is pronounced /pər-ˈsü/ and divided into syllables as pur·sue.