seek

American  

[seek] / sik /

verb (used with object)

sought, seeking

1. to go in search or quest of.

   to seek the truth.

2. to try to find or discover by searching or questioning.

   to seek the solution to a problem.

3. to try to obtain.

   to seek fame.

   Synonyms:

   follow, pursue

4. to try or attempt (usually followed by an infinitive).

   to seek to convince a person.

5. to go to.

   to seek a place to rest.

6. to ask for; request.

   to seek advice.

7. Archaic. to search or explore.

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verb (used without object)

sought, seeking

1. to make inquiry.

idioms

1. be sought after, to be desired or in demand.

   Graduates in the physical sciences are most sought after by employers these days.

seek British  

/ siːk /

verb

1. to try to find by searching; look for

   to seek a solution

2. (also intr) to try to obtain or acquire

   to seek happiness

3. to attempt (to do something); try

   I'm only seeking to help

4. (also intr) to enquire about or request (something)

   to seek help

5. to go or resort to

   to seek the garden for peace

6. an archaic word for explore

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seek More Idioms  

1. see play hide and seek.

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Other Word Forms

• outseek verb (used with object)
• reseek verb (used with object)
• seeker noun
• unseeking adjective

Etymology

Origin of seek

First recorded before 900; Middle English seken, Old English sēcan; cognate with German suchen, Old Norse sœkja, Gothic sōkjan; akin to Latin sāgīre “to perceive by scent” ( presage, sagacity ); beseech

Example Sentences

The Internal Revenue Service had been seeking $1.4 billion in the case.

From The Wall Street Journal

Western Costume, the iconic business based in North Hollywood, is seeking to recover roughly $440,000, including legal fees, according to the lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

From Los Angeles Times

Initial reports indicated the rocket company responsible for more than half of all orbital launches globally could seek a $1.5 trillion valuation, which would earn Musk another $300 billion or so.

From Barron's

Large software companies are seeking out the many smaller players to help build out their artificial intelligence offerings, create the ability to cross-sell more products to customers and create more efficient cost structures.

From Barron's

Fifty-seven percent of college undergraduates and 61% of those seeking advanced degrees are women.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• explore
• follow
• investigate
• pursue