Seek: Definition and Synonyms
seek – Definition and Part of Speech
The verb “seek” means to try to find or obtain something through effort or inquiry. It implies a deliberate and often sustained action aimed at finding an object, information, or solution.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pursue | Implies following or continuing effort towards something, often with a goal in mind. | “She pursued her studies diligently over the years.” | Formal/Informal, Academic |
| Search for | Denotes looking actively within an area to find something specific. | “The detective searched for clues around the crime scene.” | Casual/Formal |
| Hunt | Conveys a more intense or focused effort in finding something, sometimes with a sense of urgency or excitement. | “Birdwatchers often go on birding hunts during migration season.” | Informal/Casual |
| Inquire | Refers to asking questions to gain information, more formal and polite. | “The committee members inquired about the new policy changes.” | Formal/Business |
| Ask for | Suggests a request or demand, often directed towards people rather than objects. | “He asked his boss for a day off next week.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Pursue: Often used in both formal and informal contexts where there is an ongoing effort toward achieving something over time, such as goals or studies.
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Search for: Commonly employed when referring to actively looking for items within a certain space or context. Suitable for casual conversations but also applicable in more serious discussions.
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Hunt: Typically used in informal settings and may carry a sense of excitement or urgency; often associated with activities that involve seeking out objects or animals.
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Inquire: Best used in formal environments such as business meetings, official communications, and academic contexts where politeness and formality are paramount.
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Ask for: Ideal for casual conversations when referring to making requests. It’s straightforward and implies a direct appeal to another individual.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing “seek” with “inquire”: While both involve finding information, “seek” can relate to objects or solutions in addition to questions, whereas “inquire” is specifically about asking for information.
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Overlooking nuance: Using “hunt” when a gentler term like “search for” might be more appropriate could imply unnecessary intensity or aggression.
Final Recap
To effectively expand your vocabulary related to the word “seek,” consider using synonyms like “pursue,” “search for,” “hunt,” “inquire,” and “ask for” based on context, tone, and nuance. Practicing these synonyms in different contexts can help you better understand their subtleties:
- Pursue: Focuses on ongoing efforts toward an objective.
- Search for: Emphasizes active looking within a specific area or realm.
- Hunt: Conveys intense or focused effort, often with excitement.
- Inquire: Is formal and polite, related to asking questions.
- Ask for: Directly involves requests from others.
By incorporating these synonyms into writing and conversation, you can refine your expression and better match the tone of various situations. Try crafting sentences using each synonym to solidify their meanings and contexts.