Pursuit Meaning and Definition
Pursuit
Pronunciation
/ˈpɜrsaɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A pursuit is a goal-oriented activity or an endeavor aimed at achieving something, often requiring perseverance, dedication, and determination.
Examples
- Chasing a lifelong pursuit of knowledge by reading and learning.
- His pursuit of a fitness goal got him to train for hours every day.
Synonyms
- Goal
- Objective
- Quest
Antonyms
- Abandonment
- Futile
- Quit
Etymology
The word “pursuit” originated from the Old French word “pur suiet”, meaning “purely for sport or pleasure”, which is derived from the Latin words “purus” (pure) and “suere” (to follow or chase).
Usage Notes
Pursuit is often used in a variety of contexts, including personal goals, hobbies, and professional endeavors. It can also be used to describe a continuous activity or a long-term project.
Cultural References
The concept of pursuit has been featured in various forms of media, such as books, movies, and TV shows. For example, the term has been used to describe the main characters’ goals in the movie “Chasing Amy” and the TV show “The Office”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Pursuit is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “in pursuit of”, “pursuing a career”, or “pursuing a passion”.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to pursuit include goal, objective, target, endeavor, and quest.
Collocations
Pursuit often collocates with words such as “goal-oriented”, “ambitious”, “dedicated”, and “persistent”.
Frequency of Use
Pursuit is a commonly used word in modern language, particularly in the context of personal and professional development.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of pursuit include persewit, pseruit, and pursit.