Persue vs. Persuit — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 8, 2024
"Pursue" is a verb meaning to follow or chase with determination, while "pursuit" is a noun referring to the act of pursuing or an activity one engages in.
Difference Between Persue and Persuit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pursue is correctly spelled and used as a verb in the English language, signifying the action of following or striving to achieve something with determination. On the other hand, "pursuit" (correctly spelled without the 'e') is a noun that describes the act of pursuing someone or something, or an occupation, hobby, or activity engaged in regularly.
The verb "pursue" encompasses actions and efforts directed towards a goal, be it a person, an object, a career, or an ideal. Whereas, "pursuit" as a noun encompasses the broader concept of engagement in activities or the act itself of chasing or following.
While "pursue" implies an active effort or chase, "pursuit" captures both the action and the ongoing engagement in a particular task, hobby, or career. The confusion often arises from their phonetic similarity and the common misspelling of "pursue" as "persue".
In usage, "pursue" is dynamic, indicating continuous action, such as in pursuing a degree, a dream, or a person. "Pursuit," however, is static, referring to the state or activity itself, such as in the pursuit of happiness, a legal pursuit, or a leisure pursuit.
The distinction also lies in their grammatical roles: "pursue" functions as a verb within sentences, requiring a subject to perform the action, while "pursuit" serves as a noun, often the subject or object of a sentence. "Persue" and "persuit" are simply misspellings and do not fit into the linguistic framework as legitimate words.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Meaning
To follow or strive for with determination.
The act of pursuing or an activity one is engaged in.
Usage
Indicates an action towards achieving something.
Describes either the act of pursuing or an ongoing activity.
Example
"She decided to pursue a career in medicine."
"His pursuit of a medical degree was challenging."
Compare with Definitions
Persue
To seek to attain or accomplish a goal.
They pursue excellence in all their endeavors.
Persuit
A continued effort to achieve or obtain something.
His relentless pursuit of knowledge is admirable.
Persue
To proceed along a path or route.
The detective decided to pursue the lead.
Persuit
An activity one engages in as a vocation or hobby.
Painting is more than a hobby; it's a pursuit.
Persue
To engage in or proceed with an activity.
He continues to pursue his studies despite the challenges.
Persuit
The practice of engaging in a particular activity.
In his pursuit of photography, he traveled the world.
Persue
To conduct or carry out (investigations, studies, etc.).
The team will pursue further research on the topic.
Persuit
The action of following or chasing.
The pursuit of the suspect lasted several hours.
Persue
To follow or chase with determination.
She will pursue her dreams of becoming an artist.
Persuit
The act of striving to gain or accomplish something.
Her pursuit of happiness is her guiding principle.
Persue
Obsolete form of pursue
Persuit
Misspelling of pursuit.
Common Curiosities
What is a pursuit?
A pursuit refers to the act of pursuing or an activity that one engages in regularly.
What does it mean to pursue something?
To pursue something means to follow or chase it with determination and effort.
What is the correct spelling: persue or pursue?
The correct spelling is "pursue."
Can pursue and pursuit be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot. "Pursue" is a verb, and "pursuit" is a noun, each serving different grammatical roles.
What makes a pursuit valuable?
A pursuit is often considered valuable if it brings fulfillment, contributes to personal or professional growth, or benefits others.
Do all pursuits require active effort?
Yes, pursuits generally require some level of active effort or engagement.
Is "persuit" a correct term?
No, the correct term is "pursuit."
How do you use pursuit in a sentence?
"His lifelong pursuit of learning never waned."
How do you use pursue in a sentence?
"She plans to pursue a degree in environmental science."
How does one decide what to pursue?
Decisions on what to pursue often depend on personal interests, values, goals, and the feasibility of achieving the desired outcome.
Can anyone pursue a hobby as a pursuit?
Yes, any hobby actively and regularly engaged in can be considered a pursuit.
Can pursuits change over time?
Yes, as individuals grow and evolve, their pursuits can also change to reflect new interests, goals, and priorities.
Is there a limit to what can be pursued?
Practically, limits can exist based on personal circumstances, but theoretically, one can pursue a wide range of goals and interests.
Can the outcome of a pursuit always be controlled?
No, the outcome of a pursuit cannot always be controlled, but the effort and dedication put into it can be.
Is it possible to pursue multiple things at once?
Yes, it is possible to pursue multiple goals or activities simultaneously, though it may require effective time management.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
