seek

American  

[seek] / sik /

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.

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verb (used without object)

sought, seeking

1. to make inquiry.

idioms

1. be sought after, to be desired or in demand.

   Graduates in the physical sciences are most sought after by employers these days.

seek British  

/ 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

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seek More Idioms  

1. see play hide and seek.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of seek

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

Example Sentences

Both CalPERS and CalSTRS said that investment portfolios seek to minimize risk and maximize returns.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Wall Street private-credit firms face pressure as investors seek money back from loans to shaky sectors, raising fears of forced liquidations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

A Florida judge on Wednesday approved Woods' request to leave the United States to seek treatment at a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

For investors that want to seek out the market’s most reliable dividend payers, the simplest solution is probably the ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF, which tracks the benchmark.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“There is no hurry. It is more late than I thought. Come, let us seek somewhere that we may eat, and then we shall go on our way.”

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Related Words

• explore
• follow
• investigate
• pursue