pursue
UK[pəˈsjuː]US[pərˈsuː]
v
to follow or chase someone or something, especially in order to catch or attack them.
v
to try to achieve something over a long period of time.
v
to continue to study, find out about, or be involved in something.
Etymology
the word "pursue" entered english in the late 13th century from the anglo-french "pursuer," meaning "to follow with hostile intent, to chase." this, in turn, derived from the old french "porsivre" and ultimately from the vulgar latin "prosequere," a modification of the classical latin "prosequi," meaning "to follow, accompany, attend; to follow after, pursue." the latin term is a compound of "pro-" (forward) and "sequi" (to follow). the core semantic thread from its proto-indo-european root sekw- (to follow) has remained remarkably consistent, evolving from a physical act of chasing to encompass the metaphorical pursuit of goals, knowledge, or activities.
Analysis
n/a
Examples
the police pursued the suspect through the crowded streets.
she decided to pursue a career in medical research.
he chose not to pursue the matter any further.