quest
The knight embarked on a quest to find the holy grail.
He went on a long, difficult journey to find a sacred object.
a long or arduous search for something, typically a goal or an object
The scientist's quest for a cure for cancer has taken years.
His long and difficult search for a medical breakthrough continues.
Often used in literature and fantasy contexts, but also applies to real-life pursuits.
a journey or expedition undertaken by a medieval knight in fulfillment of a self-imposed task
In Arthurian legend, many knights went on quests to prove their worth.
Medieval tales often feature knights seeking glory through dangerous missions.
Historical usage, now largely confined to fantasy and mythological contexts.
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Pro Tip
Metaphorical use
Modern usage often applies 'quest' to abstract goals, like 'a quest for knowledge'.
Gold Rule
Context matters
In fantasy, 'quest' implies adventure; in real life, it suggests determination.
Word Origin
From Old French 'queste' (request, search), from Latin 'quaestio' (search, inquiry). Related to 'question'.
Usage Notes
Often used metaphorically for any long, challenging pursuit, not just physical journeys.