pursue - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
pursue Word Meanings
- to follow someone or something
- to strive to achieve or obtain
- to engage in an activity or interest
pursue Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
pursue Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/pəˈsjuː/
US
/pərˈsu/
pursue Word Etymology
Root: 'pur-' meaning 'forward' + 'sue' meaning 'to follow'. Origin: Latin 'pursuere' → Old French 'purseguir' → English 'pursue'. Memory image: Imagine someone chasing a dream while running down a road, symbolizing the pursuit of goals.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push off the ground, place my feet, and keep my eyes on the road ahead. I move with the trail, adjust my pace, and turn toward the next signal. The effort tightens my shoulders and I feel control grow with each small win. In life, that push becomes pursuing a goal, a project, or an interest you choose to chase.
Real Context
Pursue means to actively follow or chase someone or something, and also to strive to achieve or obtain a goal. It can describe engaging in an activity or interest with regular, purposeful effort. The key idea is forward motion and persistence, not passive watching. You can pursue a career, pursue justice, or pursue a hobby; learners often confuse pursue with follow or chase in casual contexts. The memory image is a person running down a road toward a bright dream, illustrating the pursuit of a goal. Etymology: pur- forward and sue to follow, from Latin pursuere, Old French purseguir, into English pursue.
Usage Reminders
- • Use pursue with goals, careers, or activities.
- • Pair with nouns like career, justice, or hobby.
- • Distinguish pursue from follow when there is active effort.
- • Watch for passive vs active meaning in sentences.
- • Check collocations to avoid awkward phrasing.
- • Remember the memory image of moving forward toward a goal.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking pursue means only following someone passively.
- Confusing pursuit with chasing in all contexts rather than goal-focused effort.
- Using pursue with people when the emphasis should be action toward a goal.
- Misplacing pursue with wait or passive observation.
- Assuming pursue and pursue a hobby are identical to follow a hobby.
Thinking Differences
English tends to bundle pursuit with active effort toward a goal; learners often default to follow when a target is implied, so practice collocations like pursue a career, pursue justice, or pursue a hobby.
Learning Tips
- memorize common collocations: pursue a career, pursue a dream, pursue justice, pursue an interest, pursue education, pursue lifelong learning
- contrast pursue with follow and chase using examples
- practice with objects that require effort (goal, project, policy)
- create mini sentences showing forward motion toward a goal
- read sample sentences and replace verbs to see nuance
- visualize the memory image of moving toward a bright goal
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'pursue' used correctly?
A.I pursued a nap in the afternoon.
B.He pursued a delicious meal at the restaurant.
C.They pursued a book at the library.
D.She pursued her dreams of becoming a doctor.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'pursue'?
A.Forget
B.Avoid
C.Follow
D.Relax
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'pursue'?
A.Continue
B.Approach
C.Abandon
D.Achieve
Step 5: Mastery
In what scenario would someone pursue their academic goals?
A.When they give up easily
B.When they work hard to achieve education milestones
C.When they avoid studying
D.When they ignore their teachers' advice
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
🔥 Advanced
Cultivating Ideas: The Art of Letting Thoughts Grow
English Learning Listening Content
Listen NowWant to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App