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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Pursuit Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：chasing a goal (pursuit)

pursuit 🔊

/pərˈsuːt/

The action of trying hard to get or achieve something.

chasing a goal 🔊

➕

/ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ ə ɡoʊl/

The act of making a determined effort to obtain or accomplish something, often over a period of time.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'prosequi' (pro- = forward, sequi = to follow), meaning 'to follow forward'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a runner on a track PURSUing a medal. 'Pursuit' starts with 'PURsue IT' - you actively go after it.

📖 Example

Her relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to become a top scientist. 🔊 Her relentless chasing of a goal for knowledge led her to become a top scientist.

🔗 Collocations

in pursuit of – while trying to achieve or get something

single-minded pursuit – focusing all efforts on one particular aim

relentless pursuit – a continuous and determined effort that does not stop

🔄 Synonyms

chase (n.) – The act of following someone or something quickly to catch them.

quest (n.) – A long or difficult search for something.

endeavor (n.) – A serious and determined effort to do something.

🚫 Antonyms

retreat (n.) – The act of moving back or away from a difficult situation.

abandonment (n.) – The act of giving up on a goal or ceasing to support something.

surrender (n.) – The act of stopping resistance and accepting defeat.

🌱 Derivatives

pursue (v.) – To follow or chase, or to strive to achieve a goal.

pursuer (n.) – A person who is pursuing someone or something.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English via Anglo-Norman French 'pursuite', ultimately from Latin 'prosequi'. Its initial legal and hunting sense (to chase or track) broadened in the 18th century to include the figurative striving for goals, ambitions, or intellectual interests.

Meaning 2：hobby or pastime (pursuit)

pursuit 🔊

/pərˈsuːt/

An activity that you spend your free time doing, usually because you enjoy it.

Pursuit as a hobby shown by hands painting a detailed watercolor of flowers.

hobby or pastime 🔊

➕

/ˈhɑːbi ɔːr ˈpæstaɪm/

An activity that one engages in regularly for enjoyment during leisure time.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Outside of work, his main pursuits are painting and playing chess. 🔊 Outside of work, his main hobbies or pastimes are painting and playing chess.

🔗 Collocations

favorite pursuit – the leisure activity one enjoys the most

leisure pursuit – an activity done for enjoyment in one's free time

outdoor pursuit – a recreational activity that takes place outside

🔄 Synonyms

hobby (n.) – An activity done regularly for pleasure in one's spare time.

pastime (n.) – Something that amuses and serves to make time pass agreeably.

avocation (n.) – A hobby or minor occupation.

🚫 Antonyms

work (n.) – Activity involving mental or physical effort done to achieve a purpose, especially as a job.

chore (n.) – A routine or boring task, especially a household one.

obligation (n.) – Something one must do because of a law, rule, or promise.