Definition

1. Noun:

   • A long or arduous search for something: A "quest" typically refers to a challenging journey or pursuit undertaken to find or achieve something important, often with a sense of purpose or adventure.
   • A medieval expedition by a knight: Historically, a "quest" was a chivalrous mission undertaken by a knight, often to achieve a specific goal like finding a holy object.

2. Verb:

   • To search for something: The act of seeking something, often with effort and determination.
   • (Of a dog or other animal) to search for game or prey: Used specifically for animals, particularly hunting dogs, following a scent or trail.
   • (Archaic) To ask for or seek something, such as alms.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • His lifelong quest for knowledge led him to many libraries.
  • The knight embarked on a quest to find the Holy Grail.

• Verb:

  • They quested for the source of the mysterious river.
  • The hounds quested through the underbrush, following the scent.

Advanced Usage

• "In quest of": In search of; trying to find.

  • She traveled the world in quest of rare botanical specimens.

• "Quest for": The pursuit of a particular goal or object.

  • The scientist's quest for a cure was finally successful.

Variants and Related Words

• Question (n/v): An inquiry or interrogation. (While related etymologically, it is a distinct word with different primary meanings).
• Questing (adj): Searching or seeking.
  • She had a questing mind, always eager to learn new things.

Synonyms

• Search: A systematic attempt to find something.
• Pursuit: The action of following or chasing something.
• Expedition: A journey undertaken for a specific purpose, especially exploration.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Quest" is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal use is typically standalone.)

Related Idioms

• Holy Grail quest: A very difficult or almost impossible pursuit of an ideal or goal, originating from the medieval legends of the quest for the Holy Grail.
  • Finding a unified theory of physics is the holy grail quest for many scientists.

Noun

1. the act of searching for something
   • a quest for diamonds
2. a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
   • the pursuit of love
   • life is more than the pursuance of fame
   • a quest for wealth

Verb

1. express the need or desire for; ask for
   • She requested an extra bed in her room
   • She called for room service
2. seek alms, as for religious purposes
3. bark with prolonged noises, of dogs
4. search the trail of (game)
   • The dog went off and quested
5. make a search (for)
   • Things that die with their eyes open and questing
   • The animal came questing through the forest