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poursuivre
/puʁ.sɥivʁ/
to pursue
Il poursuit ses études à l'étranger.
He is pursuing his studies abroad.
general
To follow or chase someone/something in order to catch or reach them.
Les chiens poursuivent le renard.
The dogs are chasing the fox.
Common in both literal and figurative contexts.
general
To continue an action or process.
Elle poursuit son travail malgré les difficultés.
She continues her work despite the difficulties.
Often used with abstract nouns like 'work', 'studies', or 'dream'.
general
To engage in (a course of action) persistently.
Il poursuit ses recherches sur l'intelligence artificielle.
He is pursuing his research on artificial intelligence.
Frequently used in academic or professional contexts.
Law
formal
To take legal action against someone.
Le procureur poursuit l'accusé pour fraude.
The prosecutor is prosecuting the defendant for fraud.
Used in legal contexts to mean 'to prosecute'.
Collocations
poursuivre un objectifto pursue a goalpoursuivre une carrièreto pursue a careerpoursuivre en justiceto take legal action against
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Prepositions with 'poursuivre'
The verb 'poursuivre' is often followed by the prepositions 'par' (by means of) or 'dans' (in) to specify the context. For example: 'poursuivre dans cette voie' (to continue in this direction) or 'poursuivre par une action en justice' (to follow up with legal action).
Gold Rule
Avoid Literal Translation of 'poursuivre'
In legal contexts, 'poursuivre' does not mean 'to pursue' literally but translates to 'to prosecute'. Always check the context to determine the correct meaning.
Word Origin
From Old French 'poursivre' (12th century), from Latin 'prosequi' ('to follow up, attend to'), from 'pro-' (forward) + 'sequi' (to follow). Related to English 'prosecute' and 'sequence'.
Usage Notes
The verb 'poursuivre' is highly versatile and can be used in both everyday and formal contexts. In legal contexts, it often translates to 'prosecute'. The preposition 'par' is commonly used with 'poursuivre' to indicate the means or method (e.g., 'poursuivre par des poursuites judiciaires').
Word Breakdown
pour-
forward, onward
prefix-suivre
to follow
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais