What does pursued mean?
Pursued is the past tense and past participle of pursue. It describes following or chasing someone or something, as when people pursue a suspect, a vehicle, or an animal, and it can also mean trying to achieve a goal, opportunity, or ambition. A person who pursued higher education went in search of further instruction, while a company that pursued growth actively sought to expand. The verb can further imply steady continuation, as in pursuing a plan or an investigation. Its figurative uses are especially common in formal writing, where they suggest deliberate, sustained effort rather than a casual attempt. The word is used similarly in British and American English, with no major regional difference in meaning or usage.
verbTo follow or chase someone or something in order to catch, reach, or obtain it. It can also mean to try hard to achieve a goal or to continue steadily with an activity or course of action.
- To follow or chase someone or something in order to catch, reach, or obtain it.
- To try hard to achieve a goal, opportunity, or desired outcome.
- To continue steadily with a course of action or undertaking.
"She pursued the opportunity to study abroad and eventually received a scholarship."
"The police pursued the stolen car along the motorway."
"After graduation, he pursued a career in medicine."
The word pursued can mean literally chasing a target or figuratively pressing forward with a goal, ambition, or investigation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pursued come from?
Pursue comes through Old French from the Latin persequi, meaning “to follow, pursue, or prosecute.” The Latin verb was formed from per- and sequi, “to follow.” Its English descendants include pursuit, pursuer, and persecution, while cognates in other Romance languages reflect the same Latin root.
How pursued is actually used
The word is formal to neutral in register. In its figurative senses, it often implies sustained effort toward a goal rather than a single attempt.
Easily confused with pursued
Pursue means to follow, seek, or continue with an aim, whereas persecute means to persistently mistreat or unfairly target someone.