quête

Quête is a French noun that denotes a long or arduous search aimed at achieving a goal, often involving travel, trials, and transformation. It can refer to a personal, collective, or spiritual pursuit, the act of seeking, or the object being sought. The term derives from Old French quête, from Latin quaerere “to seek.”

In addition to its general meaning, quête also denotes a fundraising collection, especially in religious contexts, and is used figuratively in phrases like la quête du sens (the quest for meaning).

In literature and culture, the quest is a classic narrative device: a character sets out to obtain an object, restore a condition, or answer a question, facing obstacles and gathering allies along the way. Traditional examples include quests for the Holy Grail and the hero’s journey in epic myths, where the experience often leads to personal growth as well as outward achievement. The structure frequently includes stages such as departure, trials, and a final acquisition or revelation.

In contemporary use, a quest can refer to a defined objective in role-playing games and video games, with tasks, rewards, and progression that guide the player. The term is also used more broadly to describe any long-term search for knowledge, meaning, or purpose, reflecting its enduring appeal as a framework for understanding human striving.