Definition

Noun: 1. The act of pursuing or chasing someone or something in order to catch or overtake them. This is the primary and most common meaning, referring to a determined chase or follow. 2. The act of striving to gain or accomplish something. This meaning extends the concept to a determined effort towards a goal, objective, or course of action.

Usage and Examples

• Literal Chase: "The pursual of the suspect by the police ended in a swift arrest."
• Figurative Striving: "Her lifelong pursual of knowledge led her to earn multiple degrees." "The company's relentless pursual of innovation keeps it ahead of competitors."

Advanced Usage Notes

• Formality: "Pursual" is a formal and somewhat less common noun. In everyday language, the noun "pursuit" is far more frequently used with identical meanings.
• Context: It is typically used in written, academic, or legal contexts rather than casual conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Pursue (verb): To follow or chase someone or something; to strive for a goal. (e.g., "to pursue a career," "to pursue a thief").
• Pursuit (noun): The more common synonym for "pursual," used in all the same contexts. (e.g., "in pursuit of happiness," "a high-speed pursuit").
• Pursuer (noun): The person or entity that is doing the chasing or striving.

Synonyms

• Chase: The act of following quickly to catch.
• Pursuit: The act of pursuing.
• Quest: A long or arduous search for something.
• Search: An attempt to find something.

Antonyms

• Flight: The act of fleeing or running away.
• Retreat: The act of moving back or withdrawing.
• Avoidance: The act of keeping away from or stopping something from happening.

Noun

1. the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
   • the culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit