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

Example Sentences

Liverpool remain keen to revive their pursuit, though there are no guarantees the move will materialise.

Read more on BBC

For those still wedded to the pursuit of facts and willing to do the difficult work of serious research, there is probably no comparable institution in the world.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Swede was Liverpool's marquee summer signing, acquired from Newcastle United after a prolonged, acrimonious pursuit that included the striker downing tools to get his move.

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Halting its pursuit means a large and complex deal is less likely in the near term, they write.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some of the students are seeking careers as actors, among other entertainment-related pursuits, making the minor a sensible specialization.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplishment 
• activity 
• career 
• occupation 
• undertaking