English Reference

Word

pursue

Phoneticspur·sue, stress on the second syllable

US/pɝˈsu/

UK/pəsjˈuː/

Definitions

01to chase

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to follow someone or something quickly in order to catch them.

v. to follow urgently with the intent to capture, overtake, or harm.

“The police officer had to pursue the suspect through the narrow streets.”

“The predator will often pursue its prey for several miles across the savannah before finally attempting a strike.”

Usage

Takes a direct object representing the person or thing being followed.

Synonyms

Antonyms

02to seek a goal

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

v. to try to achieve something, like a dream or a plan, over a long time.

v. to strive to attain or accomplish a specific objective or ambition.

“She decided to pursue her dream of becoming a professional pilot.”

“The government continues to pursue a policy of economic reform despite significant opposition from local industries.”

Usage

Commonly used with abstract nouns like 'career', 'goal', 'dream', or 'policy'.

Synonyms

seekstrive fortarget

Antonyms

03to engage in an activity

C1 · Advanced Formal

v. to take part in an activity or a hobby regularly.

v. to carry out or participate in a particular activity, interest, or profession.

“In his free time, he likes to pursue his interest in ancient history.”

“The researcher has spent over a decade pursuing this specific line of inquiry into molecular biology.”

Usage

Often used in academic or professional contexts to describe ongoing work or study.

Synonyms

practiceconductengage in

Antonyms

04to follow a path

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to follow a specific route or way of doing something.

v. to follow or travel along a particular route, course, or path of action.

“The hikers chose to pursue the trail that led toward the waterfall.”

“The investigation will pursue every possible lead until the missing documents are recovered.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pursue” in context.

Adverb

01. actively pursue

“The company is looking to actively pursue new business opportunities in the Asian market.”

adv + verb

Real-World Examples

“Washington has pursued its own efforts to secure the reopening.”
BBC News 17 Aug 2026
“That case is no longer being pursued by the Office of Civil Rights as of last year.”
Al Jazeera 15 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English pursuen, from Anglo-Norman pursure, poursuire etc., from Latin prōsequor (though influenced by persequor). Doublet of prosecute.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

pursue(B2)

ADJECTIVE

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference