Pursued
Pursued is the past tense and past participle of the verb "pursue." It carries several related meanings:
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To follow or chase after someone or something, often with the intention of catching or overtaking them. This meaning implies a dynamic action, often involving physical movement. For example, "The police pursued the fleeing suspect through the city streets."
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To strive to achieve something. This usage denotes a more figurative chasing, representing effort and dedication towards a goal. Examples include, "She pursued a career in medicine," or "They pursued their dreams of traveling the world."
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To follow a course of action or thought. This implies an active engagement with a process or idea. Examples include, "The detectives pursued every lead in the case," or "The researchers pursued a new line of inquiry."
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To woo or court someone. This meaning, while less common in contemporary usage, refers to actively seeking the romantic interest of another person.
The specific meaning of "pursued" is typically determined by the context in which it is used. The word often implies a deliberate and sustained effort. The object of pursuit can be tangible (a person, animal, object) or intangible (a goal, ideal, opportunity).