What is pursue? Pronunciation and usage in English

pursue means . Learn how to pronounce and use pursue through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of pursue

pursueverb

/pəˈsjuː/
Definition & pronunciation of pursue

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "pursue" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and a clear explanation:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/pərˈsuː/

Let's break down each part:

  • pər: This is a relatively quick, unstressed syllable. Think of it like "per" in "perpetual."
  • ˈsuː: This is the stressed syllable – the most important part of the word.
    • ˈsuː means “soo.” The ‘ˈ’ symbol indicates primary stress. The sound is similar to the "soo" in "soup" or "smooth."

2. A More Detailed Explanation (for non-IPA speakers):

  • p – As in “pen” – a short, sharp sound.
  • ur – This is a very quick, almost blended sound, similar to “er” in “her.” It’s almost a schwa sound (the “uh” sound).
  • s – As in “sun.”
  • oo – As in “soup” or “moon.” Make it a longer, fuller vowel sound.

3. Putting it together:

Say it slowly at first: "per-soo"

Then, gradually speed up, focusing on emphasizing the "soo" syllable.

4. Tips for Correct Pronunciation:

  • Stress: Make sure you strongly emphasize the second syllable ("soo"). If you don't, it will sound awkward.
  • "ur" sound: Don't pronounce it as a distinct "ur" as you might in some other words. It’s a quickly blended sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce pursue" and listen to native speakers. Here are a few links:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word pursue in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pursue" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, so understanding those is key.

1. Core Meaning: To Follow or Chase (actively)

  • Definition: At its most basic, "pursue" means to actively follow or chase something – a person, an animal, an object, an idea, or a goal.
  • Examples:
    • "The police pursued the suspect through the city streets." (Following someone)
    • "The dog pursued the squirrel up the tree." (Chasing an animal)
    • "He pursued the ball with determination." (Following an object)

2. Meaning: To Study or Investigate (especially academically)

  • Definition: This is a very common usage, particularly in the context of education. It means to study something seriously and diligently.
  • Examples:
    • "She decided to pursue a degree in medicine." (To study towards a medical degree)
    • "He pursued his interest in archaeology." (To study archaeology)
    • "The journalist pursued the story relentlessly." (To investigate a story deeply)

3. Meaning: To Strive for or Attempt (a goal or ambition)

  • Definition: Here, "pursue" means to diligently work towards achieving something – a goal, a dream, a career, etc. It suggests effort and dedication.
  • Examples:
    • "She pursued her dream of becoming a singer." (She worked hard to achieve it)
    • "He pursued a career in finance." (He worked to enter the field)
    • "They pursued happiness and fulfillment." (They actively sought these things)

4. More Formal/Literary Usage: To Engage in

  • Definition: Sometimes, "pursue" is used in a more elevated or literary way to mean "to engage in" something, often with a certain intensity.
  • Examples:
    • "The artist pursued themes of loss and memory in his paintings." (The artist explored these themes)
    • "He pursued a policy of isolation." (He implemented and followed a policy of isolation)

Key Differences & Synonyms:

Word Usage Example
Pursue Follow, study, strive for, engage in "She will pursue a career in law."
Follow Passive following "He followed the trail."
Seek Look for, try to achieve "He seeks knowledge and understanding."
Strive Effort towards a goal "He strives for excellence."
Investigate Thoroughly examine "They investigated the crime scene."

Tips for Using "Pursue":

  • Consider the Context: Pay attention to what is being pursued. Is it a person, an object, an idea, or a goal?
  • Indicate Effort: "Pursue" often implies active effort and determination. It's more than just wanting something; it's working for it.
  • Formal Tone: “Pursue” tends to sound a bit more formal than “seek” or “try.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context you’re thinking about using “pursue” in? (e.g., a school essay, a conversation, a story you’re writing?)

Synonyms for the word pursue

Practice with vocabulary pursue

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many recent graduates choose to ______ further education to specialize in their desired fields.
  2. After careful consideration, the board decided to ______ an aggressive market expansion strategy.
  3. The company aims to ______ a significant increase in sales by the end of the fiscal year.
  4. The police had to ______ the suspect through the narrow alleys to apprehend him.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) best describe the action of consistently working towards a long-term professional or academic goal? a) attain b) undertake c) pursue d) accomplish

  2. When an organization is actively trying to gain a larger market share, it is said to: a) secure b) chase c) pursue d) strive for

  3. To dedicate significant time and effort to finding or achieving something, often abstract or over a period, one would: a) seek b) follow c) pursue d) search for

  4. Before presenting the proposal, the team needs to ______ all relevant data. a) acquire b) compile c) gather d) compute

  5. Effective leaders always ______ transparency and integrity in their decision-making processes. a) uphold b) maintain c) adhere to d) advocate for

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The research team was actively working towards finding innovative solutions for sustainable energy. Rewrite using "pursue" or a related word form.

  2. In a highly competitive industry, many entrepreneurs are trying to build successful businesses from scratch. Rewrite using "pursue" or a related word form.

  3. The committee needs to look for alternative funding sources to support the new project. Rewrite without using "pursue" or any related word form.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many recent graduates choose to pursue further education to specialize in their desired fields.
  2. After careful consideration, the board decided to pursue an aggressive market expansion strategy.
  3. The company aims to achieve a significant increase in sales by the end of the fiscal year.
  4. The police had to chase the suspect through the narrow alleys to apprehend him.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) undertake, c) pursue
  2. a) secure, c) pursue, d) strive for
  3. a) seek, c) pursue, d) search for
  4. a) acquire, b) compile, c) gather
  5. a) uphold, b) maintain, c) adhere to, d) advocate for

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The research team was pursuing innovative solutions for sustainable energy. Alternatively: The research team was engaged in the pursuit of innovative solutions for sustainable energy.
  2. In a highly competitive industry, many entrepreneurs are pursuing successful businesses from scratch. Alternatively: The pursuit of successful businesses is a goal for many entrepreneurs in a highly competitive industry.
  3. The committee needs to explore alternative funding sources to support the new project. Alternatively: The committee needs to seek out alternative funding sources to support the new project.

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