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

The company did not return a message seeking comment.

Read more on MarketWatch

Indonesia’s central bank kept interest rates unchanged at its November policy meeting, holding steady for a second straight time as it seeks to stabilize the rupiah.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She said seeking help "at the earliest stage possible" could prevent people "getting into that spiral".

Read more on BBC

Yet those who do come forward are reluctant to name their attackers and rarely seek justice, in part because the conflict has led to a breakdown in law and order.

Read more on BBC

Many AI startups, including xAI, are burning cash rapidly as they seek to build infrastructure to help train and refine models.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• explore 
• follow 
• investigate 
• pursue