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Definition of pursue

pursue

/pɚˈsuː/
pur · sue
Adjective:pursuable
•
Past Simple:pursued
•
Past Participle:pursued
•
Present Participle:pursuing
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pursue Lexical Profile

pursue Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To seek to attain or accomplish a goal, ambition, or course of action over a period of time.

Example

"After completing her undergraduate degree, she decided to pursue a career in environmental law."

2

To follow someone or something in order to catch, overtake, or capture them.

Example

"The cheetah continued to pursue the gazelle across the open savanna."

3

To engage in, carry on, or investigate a subject, activity, or line of inquiry further.

Example

"The committee chose not to pursue the matter any further during the afternoon session."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for pursue

• Rhymes for pursue

• Nearby Words

pursuable
pursuance
pursuant
pursue
pursuer
pursuit
purus

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Anglo-Norman and Old French 'pursuer', which developed from Latin 'prosequi' (to follow up or accompany), formed from 'pro-' (forth) and 'sequi' (to follow).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pursue. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pursue
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