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Pursue vs Ensue - What's the difference?

pursue | ensue |

In obsolete transitive terms the difference between pursue and ensue

is that pursue is to follow with harmful intent; to try to harm, to persecute, torment while ensue is to follow (a leader, inclination etc.).

pursue

English

Verb

(pursu)
  • (obsolete) To follow with harmful intent; to try to harm, to persecute, torment.
  • To follow urgently, originally with intent to capture or harm; to chase.
  • * Wyclif Bible, John xv. 20
    • The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have pursued' me, they shall ' pursue you also.
  • * 2009 , Martin Chulov, ‘Iraqi shoe-thrower claims he suffered torture in jail’, The Guardian , 15 Sep 09:
    • He now feared for his life, and believed US intelligence agents would pursue him.
  • To follow, travel down (a particular way, course of action etc.).
    • Her rival pursued a quite different course.
  • To aim for, go after (a specified objective, situation etc.).
  • * 2009 , Benjamin Pogrund, ‘Freeze won't hurt Netanyahu’, The Guardian , 1 Dec 09:
    • He even stands to gain in world terms: his noisy critics strengthen his projected image of a man determined to pursue peace with Palestinians.
  • To participate in (an activity, business etc.); to practise, follow (a profession).

    • See also

    * follow * chase

    ensue

    English

    Verb

    (ensu)
  • (obsolete) To follow (a leader, inclination etc.).
  • * 1596 , Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene , IV.ii:
    • to ripenesse of mans state they grew: / Then shewing forth signes of their fathers blood, / They loued armes, and knighthood did ensew , / Seeking aduentures [...].
  • * Golding
    • To ensue his example in doing the like mischief.
  • *1603 , (John Florio), translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays , III.11:
  • *:Oh how many changes are like to ensue this reformation!
    • Give three freshmen six bottles of wine, and hilarity will ensue .

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