pursuant
UK[pəˈsjuːənt]US[pərˈsuːənt]
adj
in accordance with or following something; conforming to
adv
in accordance with or following something
Morpheme Breakdown
pur
su
ant
pur
forward
su
follow
ant
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'pursuant' entered english in the late 14th century via anglo-french 'pursuant', the present participle of 'pursure', meaning 'to follow'. this anglo-french term derives from latin 'prosequi', a compound of 'pro-' (forward) and 'sequi' (to follow). the core semantic thread from latin is 'to follow forward or after', which evolved into the legal and formal english sense of acting in conformity with or in execution of a preceding directive, agreement, or law. the '-ant' suffix, common in legal french borrowings, solidifies its adjectival role describing an action performed in accordance with something else.
Analysis
Structure: pur (forward) + su (follow) + ant (adjective suffix)
pur- from latin 'pro-', meaning 'forward, forth'. su- from latin 'sequi', meaning 'to follow'. -ant from latin '-ant-', a present participle suffix forming adjectives meaning 'doing, being'.
Examples
the company took action pursuant to the new regulations.
he was deported pursuant to a court order.
the funds were allocated pursuant to the terms of the grant.