Definition

1. Verb:
   • To seek, to search for, to pursue: This is a formal and literary verb meaning to diligently look for, investigate, or strive to obtain something abstract, valuable, or profound, such as knowledge, truth, or a principle.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các nhà khoa học không ngừng sưu cầu chân lý. (Scientists ceaselessly seek the truth.)
  • Mục đích của giáo dục là sưu cầu tri thức. (The purpose of education is the pursuit of knowledge.)
  • Anh ấy dành cả đời sưu cầu sự hoàn mỹ trong nghệ thuật. (He spent his whole life pursuing perfection in art.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is primarily used in formal, academic, philosophical, or literary contexts. It is not used in everyday conversation for simple searching (e.g., searching for keys). It implies a deep, earnest, and often prolonged effort.

Variants and Related Words

• Sưu tầm (v): To collect, to gather (often physical items like stamps, artifacts, or data).
  • Ông ấy sưu tầm tem cổ. (He collects old stamps.)
• Cầu (v): To request, to beg, to pray for. When combined with "sưu" (to collect/gather), it forms the meaning of "gathering through seeking."

Synonyms

• Seek: To attempt to find something.
• Pursue: To follow or seek with determination.
• Search for: To look thoroughly for.
• Investigate: To carry out research or study into.

Related Concepts

• The Pursuit of Truth/Knowledge: This is the most classic and common context for the use of "sưu cầu." It describes the intellectual endeavor to understand fundamental principles.