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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?

Internet search results for “chase” and “pursue”

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