# pursue

> English word · Verb · IPA /pəˈsjuː/ · frequency rank #4,624

## Definitions
1. To follow urgently, originally with intent to capture or harm; to chase.
2. To follow, travel down (a particular way, course of action etc.).
3. To aim for, go after (a specified objective, situation etc.).
4. To participate in (an activity, business etc.); to practise, follow (a profession).
5. To act as a legal prosecutor.
6. To continue; to carry on.

## Etymology
From Middle English pursuen, from Anglo-Norman pursure, poursuire etc., from Latin prōsequor (though influenced by persequor). Doublet of prosecute.

## Easily confused with
- **pursuit** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pursue-vs-pursuit)
- **pursued** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pursue-vs-pursued)
- **pure** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pure-vs-pursue)
- **pulse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/pulse-vs-pursue)
- **purse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/purse-vs-pursue)
- **purge** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/purge-vs-pursue)
- **parse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/parse-vs-pursue)
- **purple** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/purple-vs-pursue)
- **Purdue** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/purdue-vs-pursue)
- **perdue** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/perdue-vs-pursue)

## Common misspellings (8)
`ppursue`, `prusue`, `purrsue`, `purseu`, `purssue`, `puruse`, `pusrue`, `uprsue`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pursue