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.
日本語:追いかける※
Español:perseguir
“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.
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.
日本語:追う※
“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'.
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.
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.
Español:perseguir
“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.”
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.” “That case is no longer being pursued by the Office of Civil Rights as of last year.” 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
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/pursue
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0