# pursuant

/pɝˈsuənt/ (US) · /pəsjˈuːənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pursuant
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. according to a rule

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

done according to a law, rule, or agreement; you use this with the word 'to'.

For teachers: acting in accordance with or in conformance to a specific rule or authority; almost exclusively followed by the preposition 'to'.

- Pursuant to the new law, all businesses must now recycle their paper waste.
- Pursuant to the terms of the contract, the final payment was released only after the architect had certified the completion of the project.

Usage: Almost always used in the phrase 'pursuant to' followed by a noun phrase representing a rule or document.

Teaching tip: This is a high-register legal term; students should use 'according to' or 'following' in everyday writing and speech.

### 2. consequently

adverb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

as a result of something else that happened.

For teachers: in a consequent or following manner; used to show that an action happens as a result of a previous one.

- The committee reached a decision, and pursuant, the project began.
- The board issued a formal warning and, pursuant, the manager submitted his resignation the following morning.

Usage: Rarely used as a standalone adverb in modern English; usually replaced by 'consequently' or 'accordingly'.

## Examples

- The contract was signed pursuant to the new agreement.
- The police conducted a search of the premises pursuant to a warrant issued by the local magistrate.
- The board of directors authorized the dividend payment pursuant to the powers granted to them under the company's articles of association.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.