Chase vs. pursue: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Chase often implies a physical following, sometimes with urgency or speed. Pursue can be both physical or metaphorical and doesn’t emphasize speed as strongly, often implying a more deliberate and ongoing effort.
What they have in common
Both chase and pursue involve following or seeking something, often with the intent to catch or achieve it.
Examples
chase
- The dog chased the cat around the yard.
- I had to chase after the bus because I was running late.
- The detective chased down the lead to solve the case.
pursue
- She decided to pursue a career in medicine.
- He pursued the truth despite many obstacles.
- They continue to pursue their dreams despite setbacks.
Which one is more common?
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