What does pursuable mean?
Pursuable means able to be followed, tracked, or pursued. The word is especially useful when describing a trail, suspect, or other target from which someone’s movements or identity can be established. It can also mean appealing or valuable enough to attract sustained interest from other people, as when a person is described as a pursuable prospect. The adjective is not as common as pursuit itself, but it clarifies an important distinction between something that can be chased and something that can be investigated. In everyday language, searchable, traceable, or sought-after may sound more natural, depending on the intended meaning.
adjectiveCapable of being pursued, followed, or tracked. It can also describe someone or something that is sufficiently appealing to be sought out or pursued.
- Able to be pursued, followed, or tracked.
- Attractive or important enough to be pursued or sought after.
"The investigators realized that the suspect had left a pursuable trail through the forest."
"The escaped animal left a pursuable trail across the snow."
"With her popularity rising, she became a highly pursuable target for talent scouts."
A pursuable trail is a clue that can be followed, while a persuable person is a person who can be convinced.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pursuable come from?
Pursuable was formed in the 19th century from the English verb pursue and the suffix -able, meaning “capable of being pursued.” The verb pursue comes through Old French poursuivre from Latin persequi, formed from per- “forward, onward” and sequi “to follow.” Related English words include pursuer and pursuit, while the same Latin root also appears in prosecute and persecution.
How pursuable is actually used
Relatively uncommon and formal in general use. It is most natural in contexts involving investigation, pursuit, or someone or something being sought after.
Easily confused with pursuable
Pursuable means capable of being followed or tracked, whereas persuable means willing to be convinced or persuaded.