Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner1]

Hello,

1.What does the word 'pursue' mean in the sentence?

'He wants to pursue a career in politics/business etc.'

2.'The Joneses left their home country in pursuit of a better life elsewhere.'

Could we use 'pursue' instead of 'in pursuit of' here as in:
'The Joneses left their home country to pursue a better life elsewhere.'

Thank you very much.

[CP]

1. It means to follow, or chase after, figuratively. It is commonly used as you have it here. You can pursue a career, pursue a new love interest, pursue a line of reasoning, pursue a thought in conversation, pursue an education, persue an office (like the office of the president, the office of a senator, etc.), and so on.

2. Yes.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[learner1]

Thank you very much for your great answer, CP.

[learner1]

Hello CP,

Could we use 'homeland' instead of 'home country' here?

Thank you very much.