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

England somehow found themselves 78-5 in pursuit of 179 to beat Bangladesh, ranked seventh in the world, and Knight was in familiar territory despite playing her first one-day international since January.

From BBC

A press release describes the new record as a “powerful journey of resilience and awakening, where the pursuit of freedom meets forces that seek to control and silence.”

From Salon

But in its exhausting pursuit of technical perfection, “The Smashing Machine” merely mirrors its subject’s journey, losing sight of its goal for a futile shot at glory.

From Salon

It’s as if Baumbach and Clooney are silently agreeing that, in the pursuit of the public’s entertainment, someone or something will always be privately at stake.

From Salon

"As long as the entertainment industry prioritizes profits over childhood privacy, consent, and dignity, we will continue our pursuit for awareness and accountability," said James R Marsh of the Marsh Law Firm.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplishment 
• activity 
• career 
• occupation 
• undertaking