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Pursue vs Go_after - What's the difference?

pursue | go_after | Related terms |

Pursue is a related term of go_after.


As verbs the difference between pursue and go_after

is that pursue is (obsolete|transitive) to follow with harmful intent; to try to harm, to persecute, torment while go_after is to pursue in attempt to catch another.

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

    go_after

    English

    Verb

    (someone or something)
  • To pursue in attempt to catch another.
  • The downed officer couldn't go after the criminal.
  • To pursue an object or a goal.
  • In little league, usually everyone goes after the ball.
    Inspired, the scientist went''' right '''after the new idea.

    Usage notes

    Not to be confused with "going after someone", meaning following someone or something in sequence.

    See also

    * get after English phrasal verbs