seek

[ seek ]

verb (used with object)

, sought, seek·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, sought, seek·ing.

1. to make inquiry.

seek

/ siːk /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by for or after 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. See explore
   an archaic word for explore

Derived Forms

• ˈseeker, noun

Other Words From

• outseek verb (used with object) outsought outseeking
• re·seek verb (used with object) resought reseeking
• un·seeking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of seek¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of seek¹

Old English sēcan; related to Old Norse sōkja, Gothic sōkjan, Old High German suohhen, Latin sāgīre to perceive by scent; see beseech

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

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

More idioms and phrases containing seek

see play hide and seek .

Example Sentences

The latter is well below the $1 trillion Democratic leaders are seeking for state and local governments.

From Fortune

Feynman and others sought whole new perspectives — perhaps even one that would return particles to center stage — but came back with a hack instead.

From Quanta Magazine

Shoppers tend to seek out brands they’re already familiar with when it’s time to buy, so reaching them early in the shopping season is key.

From Search Engine Land

The second is that corporations should seek to make profit by benefiting others.

From Fortune

The initiative also sought voter approval to have the city borrow money.

From Voice of San Diego

But on Thursday Boxer triggered a Golden State political earthquake, announcing that she would not seek a fifth term in 2016.

From The Daily Beast

Parents who want to transfer custody of a child to someone other than a relative must seek permission from a judge.

From The Daily Beast

As more come online, they will actively seek better selling prices elsewhere and also source their goods internationally.

From The Daily Beast

We ought to seek Chinese cooperation in a response to this North Korean act of aggression.

From The Daily Beast

It would seek to cut off the main Allied lines of supply and communication.

From The Daily Beast

Hence arise factions, dissensions, and loss to their religious interests and work; and these intruders seek to rule the others.

From Project Gutenberg

How much of the imagination, how much of the intellect, evaporates and is lost while we seek to embody it in words!

From Project Gutenberg

I prayed for her before the temple, and unto the very end I will seek after her, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe.

From Project Gutenberg

Learn to do well: seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge for the fatherless, defend the widow.

From Project Gutenberg

Uriah said it would dishonour him to seek ease and pleasure at home while other soldiers were enduring hardship at the front.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• explore
• follow
• investigate
• pursue