pursuit

[ per-soot ]

noun

1. the act of pursuing:

   in pursuit of the fox.

   Synonyms: hunt, chase

2. an effort to secure or attain; quest:

   the pursuit of happiness.

   Synonyms: search

3. any occupation, pastime, or the like, in which a person is engaged regularly or customarily:

   literary pursuits.

   Synonyms: inclination, preoccupation, activity

pursuit

/ pəˈsjuːt /

noun

1. 1. the act of pursuing, chasing, or striving after
   2. ( as modifier )

      a pursuit plane

2. an occupation, hobby, or pastime
3. (in cycling) a race in which the riders set off at intervals along the track and attempt to overtake each other

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuit¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French purseute, from Vulgar Latin prōsequita (unrecorded), from Latin prōsecūta, feminine of prōsecūtus “followed,” past participle of prōsequī “to follow, continue”; pursue

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuit¹

C14: from Old French poursieute, from poursivre to prosecute, pursue

Related Words

• accomplishment
• activity
• career
• occupation
• undertaking