Definition

Verb: * To actively seek, search for, or try to obtain something, often with a sense of purpose or dedication. It implies a sustained effort or pursuit.

Usage and Examples

• General Pursuit: Used to describe the dedicated search for abstract concepts like knowledge, truth, or personal goals.
  • She spent her life questing after the meaning of happiness.
  • The scientist quested after a cure for the disease for decades.
• Seeking Information or Understanding: Used when trying to find answers or deeper understanding.
  • The journalist quested after the truth behind the political scandal.
  • He is always questing after new ideas and perspectives.

Advanced Usage

• Literary/Formal Tone: The phrase "quest after" often carries a slightly formal, literary, or earnest tone, suggesting a noble or challenging pursuit.
  • The knights quested after the Holy Grail.
  • Philosophers have long quested after universal truths.

Variants and Related Words

• Quest (verb/noun): The base form. As a verb, it is very similar to "quest after." As a noun, it means the search itself.
  • They embarked on a quest for the lost city. (noun)
  • He quested for knowledge. (verb)
• In Quest Of (phrase): A common prepositional phrase with the same meaning.
  • They traveled the world in quest of rare artifacts.

Synonyms

• Pursue: To follow or seek something, especially a goal.
• Seek: To try to find or obtain.
• Search for: To look carefully for something.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Quest for: This is a more common and direct synonym for "quest after." The meanings are virtually identical, though "quest for" is often preferred.
  • He dedicated his life to questing for justice.

Verb

1. go in search of or hunt for
   • pursue a hobby