Pursuing

Pursuing is the act of trying to obtain, achieve, or engage with something through effort and persistence. It describes a process rather than a single action, and can apply to goals such as education, career advancement, personal development, relationships, or creative work. The word is the present participle of pursue and is commonly used in phrases such as pursuing a degree, pursuing a goal, or pursuing opportunities.

In practice, pursuing a goal often involves planning, setting milestones, allocating resources, and evaluating progress. In education and work, individuals pursue qualifications or promotions by studying, gaining experience, and networking. In personal life, people may pursue happiness, meaning, or connection, balancing ambition with other responsibilities. The idiom in pursuit of is used to describe the objective being sought, as in “in pursuit of a better future.” The term can carry neutral, positive, or urgent connotations depending on context.

Etymology and grammar: pursue comes from Old French poursuivre, from Latin prosequi, meaning to follow or accompany. The form pursuing is the present participle; pursued is the past tense and past participle. Related terms include pursuit, pursuer, and the related verb forms. Common synonyms include seek, strive, chase, and endeavour.