pursuit

Everyday

1. Chasing someone or something to catch them: The police were in pursuit of the thief. tree →
2. Trying to get or reach something: the pursuit of happiness. tree →
3. An activity or hobby: outdoor pursuits like hiking and climbing. tree →

In the lessons

In stories there are thrilling pursuits — a fox in pursuit of a rabbit. In maths, pursuit problems are chase problems: «A dog runs at 8 m/s after a cat at 6 m/s that is 20 m ahead; when does it catch up?» — the gap closes by 2 m each second, so 10 seconds. In everyday life «outdoor pursuits» are activities like sailing and camping. Phrases: «in pursuit of», «hot pursuit», «outdoor pursuits», «the pursuit of knowledge».

Examples

• The police car raced off in pursuit. tree →
• The cheetah was in hot pursuit of a gazelle. tree →
• Hiking and canoeing are popular outdoor pursuits. tree →
• Scientists spend years in pursuit of answers. tree →
• A car 10 km behind is in pursuit at 20 km/h faster; it catches up in half an hour. tree →
• The pursuit of happiness is important to everyone. tree →
• Reading is her favourite pursuit. tree →
• On she dashed in pursuit, chased and chased. tree →

Note

Countable for hobbies and chases; uncountable for the general idea. Verb: pursue. Spelling: pur-SUIT (like a suit). In chase problems: catch-up time = gap ÷ difference in speeds.