seek

[seek]

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.

verb (used without object)

sought, seeking 

1. to make inquiry.

seek

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

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.

see play hide and seek.

Example Sentences

In exchange for re-opening the government, Democrats are seeking to extend tax credits that make health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans.

Read more on BBC

Union Pacific is seeking to buy Norfolk Southern in an $85-billion deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Perhaps most importantly, it ends any talk of spoilers, and encourages candidates to make a positive pitch to voters, seeking second place votes, rather than closing with extreme negativity.

Read more on Salon

She said governments had failed to seek the views of NHS staff "because politics gets in the way of it".

Read more on BBC

Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other key members of the OPEC+ alliance are expected to agree to further hike oil production in a virtual meeting Sunday, as the group continues to seek greater market share.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• explore 
• follow 
• investigate 
• pursue