Pursue vs. Pursuit — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 19, 2024
"Pursue" is a verb meaning to follow or chase with determination, while "pursuit" is a noun referring to the act of chasing or striving towards goals or interests.
Difference Between Pursue and Pursuit
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Key Differences
"Pursue" is an action word that involves actively seeking, chasing, or following something or someone with a sense of purpose and determination. It implies a dynamic process, such as pursuing a career, a dream, or even an individual. For instance, one might pursue a degree in medicine or pursue a fugitive. On the other hand, "pursuit" is a noun that denotes the act of pursuing or the activity being pursued. It encompasses a wide range of activities and goals, from professional endeavors like the pursuit of knowledge to personal interests like the pursuit of happiness.
While "pursue" conveys the action taken by an individual or group to achieve a specific objective or follow a particular path, "pursuit" often refers to the broader concept or activity itself. For example, the pursuit of excellence in a field might involve various actions to pursue, such as studying, practicing, and learning from others.
In essence, "pursue" is about the actions and efforts directed towards a goal, whereas "pursuit" encapsulates the idea, objective, or activity being aimed for. This distinction is crucial in contexts where one wishes to emphasize either the action or the objective itself.
Moreover, "pursuit" can also refer to hobbies or activities done for enjoyment, highlighting its versatility in describing both serious endeavors and leisure activities. In contrast, "pursue" tends to be used in contexts that underscore intentionality and effort towards achieving or obtaining something.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
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Definition
To follow or chase with determination
The act of chasing or an activity being chased
Connotation
Implies action and effort
Refers to the activity or goal itself
Usage
Used to describe an action towards a goal
Used to describe the goal or activity itself
Context
Often used in goal-oriented scenarios
Can refer to both serious endeavors and leisure activities
Compare with Definitions
Pursue
To continue or proceed along a path or route.
The hikers will pursue the trail through the forest.
Pursuit
The action of following or chasing after something.
The pursuit of the suspect lasted several hours.
Pursue
To follow or chase someone or something.
The detective decided to pursue the lead.
Pursuit
An activity or interest pursued for enjoyment.
Painting is one of her favorite pursuits.
Pursue
To seek to attain or accomplish a goal.
He will pursue his goal of running a marathon.
Pursuit
The act of striving towards a goal or objective.
The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental right.
Pursue
To engage in an activity or course of action with a goal.
She chose to pursue a career in law.
Pursuit
A hobby or activity done for leisure.
Fishing is a popular pursuit among the townsfolk.
Pursue
To proceed with a course of action.
They decided to pursue negotiations.
Pursuit
The process of trying to achieve something.
His pursuit of excellence in his field is admirable.
Pursue
Follow or chase (someone or something)
A heavily indebted businessman was being pursued by creditors
The officer pursued the van
Pursuit
The act or an instance of chasing or pursuing
The pursuit of the suspect by the police.
Pursue
Continue or proceed along (a path or route)
The road pursued a straight course over the scrubland
Pursuit
The act of striving to gain or accomplish something
The pursuit of wealth.
The pursuit of higher education.
Pursue
To follow in an effort to overtake or capture; chase
A fox that was pursued by hounds.
Pursuit
An activity, such as a vocation or hobby, engaged in regularly.
Pursue
To strive to gain or accomplish
Pursue lofty political goals.
Pursuit
The act of pursuing.
Unremitting pursuit of wealth doesn't bring happiness, particularly if successful.
Pursue
To proceed along the course of; follow
A ship that pursued the southern course.
Pursuit
A hobby or recreational activity, done regularly.
Pursue
To carry further; advance
Let's not pursue this argument.
Pursuit
(cycle racing) A discipline in track cycling where two opposing teams start on opposite sides of the track and try to catch their opponents.
Pursue
To take action regarding (something), especially with the intention of sustained effort
A detective who pursued each lead.
Pursuit
Prosecution
Pursue
To engage in (a vocation or hobby, for example); practice.
Pursuit
The act of following or going after; esp., a following with haste, either for sport or in hostility; chase; prosecution; as, the pursuit of game; the pursuit of an enemy.
Weak we are, and can not shun pursuit.
Pursue
To try to have a romantic relationship with
A lady who was pursued by many suitors.
Pursuit
A following with a view to reach, accomplish, or obtain; endeavor to attain to or gain; as, the pursuit of knowledge; the pursuit of happiness or pleasure.
Pursue
To continue to torment or afflict; haunt
Was pursued by the demons of lust and greed.
Pursuit
Course of business or occupation; continued employment with a view to same end; as, mercantile pursuits; a literary pursuit.
Pursue
To follow in an effort to overtake or capture; chase.
Pursuit
Prosecution.
That pursuit for tithes ought, and of ancient time did pertain to the spiritual court.
Pursue
To take action regarding something or carry on an established activity or project.
Pursuit
The act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture;
The culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit
Pursue
(ambitransitive) To follow urgently, originally with intent to capture or harm; to chase.
Pursue one's dreams
Pursuit
A search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria;
The pursuit of love
Life is more than the pursuance of fame
A quest for wealth
Pursue
(transitive) To follow, travel down (a particular way, course of action etc.).
Her rival pursued a quite different course.
Pursuit
A diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly);
Sailing is her favorite pastime
His main pastime is gambling
He counts reading among his interests
They criticized the boy for his limited pursuits
Pursue
(transitive) To aim for, go after (a specified objective, situation etc.).
Pursue
(transitive) To participate in (an activity, business etc.); to practise, follow (a profession).
Pursue
(intransitive) To act as a legal prosecutor.
Pursue
To follow with a view to overtake; to follow eagerly, or with haste; to chase; as, to pursue a hare.
We happiness pursue; we fly from pain.
The happiness of men lies in purswing,Not in possessing.
Pursue
To seek; to use or adopt measures to obtain; as, to pursue a remedy at law.
The fame of ancient matrons you pursue.
Pursue
To proceed along, with a view to some and or object; to follow; to go in; as, Captain Cook pursued a new route; the administration pursued a wise course.
Pursue
To prosecute; to be engaged in; to continue.
Pursue
To follow as an example; to imitate.
Pursue
To follow with enmity; to persecute; to call to account.
The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have pursued me, they shall pursue you also.
Pursue
To go in pursuit; to follow.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth.
Men hotly pursued after the objects of their ambition.
Pursue
To go on; to proceed, especially in argument or discourse; to continue.
I have, pursues Carneades, wondered chemists should not consider.
Pursue
To follow a matter judicially, as a complaining party; to act as a prosecutor.
Pursue
Carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in;
She pursued many activities
They engaged in a discussion
Pursue
Follow in or as if in pursuit;
The police car pursued the suspected attacker
Her bad deed followed her and haunted her dreams all her life
Pursue
Go in search of or hunt for;
Pursue a hobby
Pursue
Carry further or advance;
Can you act on this matter soon?
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to pursue something?
To pursue something means to follow or chase it with determination and effort, often with a specific goal in mind.
How does "pursuit" differ from "pursue" in terms of connotation?
"Pursuit" is a noun that often carries a neutral connotation, referring to the goal or activity itself, whereas "pursue" is a verb that conveys action, effort, and determination.
Can a person have multiple pursuits?
Yes, a person can have multiple pursuits, encompassing various goals, hobbies, or activities they engage in or strive towards.
How can one effectively pursue a goal?
Effectively pursuing a goal involves setting clear objectives, planning, consistent effort, and sometimes seeking guidance or support.
Can "pursue" and "pursuit" be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot be used interchangeably due to their different parts of speech and nuances in meaning; "pursue" is a verb indicating action, while "pursuit" is a noun referring to the act or activity.
Can "pursue" imply a negative action?
While typically neutral or positive, "pursue" can imply a negative action if it involves following or chasing something undesirable or harmful.
Does "pursuit" always imply success or attainment?
No, "pursuit" refers to the act of striving towards a goal or activity, without necessarily implying success or attainment.
How do motivation and interest relate to pursuit?
Motivation and interest are key drivers behind the pursuit of goals, hobbies, or activities, influencing the energy and dedication one puts into them.
Can "pursuit" refer to hobbies or leisure activities?
Yes, "pursuit" can refer to hobbies or activities engaged in for enjoyment or leisure, in addition to serious goals or objectives.
Is "pursue" only used in professional or academic contexts?
While often used in professional or academic contexts, "pursue" can apply to any scenario where there's a goal or target to be followed or achieved.
How do changing circumstances affect pursuits?
Changing circumstances can alter one's pursuits by introducing new priorities, challenges, or opportunities.
How do advancements in technology impact pursuits?
Technological advancements can open up new avenues for pursuits, provide tools for achieving goals, and sometimes even redefine what pursuits are possible or desirable.
Is the pursuit of a goal always a conscious choice?
While often a conscious choice, some pursuits may be driven by subconscious desires or societal influences.
Can the pursuit of one goal hinder the pursuit of another?
Yes, pursuing one goal might require resources or time that could hinder the pursuit of another, especially if the goals conflict.
Do cultural factors influence what people choose to pursue?
Yes, cultural factors can significantly influence people's pursuits, shaping their values, interests, and the goals they deem important.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
