seek

[seek]

verb (used with object)

sought, seeking 

1. to go in search or quest of.

   to seek the truth.

2. to try to find or discover by searching or questioning.

   to seek the solution to a problem.

3. to try to obtain.

   to seek fame.

   Synonyms: follow, pursue

4. to try or attempt (usually followed by an infinitive).

   to seek to convince a person.

5. to go to.

   to seek a place to rest.

6. to ask for; request.

   to seek advice.

7. Archaic.,  to search or explore.

verb (used without object)

sought, seeking 

1. to make inquiry.

seek

/ siːk /

verb

1. to try to find by searching; look for

   to seek a solution

2. (also intr) to try to obtain or acquire

   to seek happiness

3. to attempt (to do something); try

   I'm only seeking to help

4. (also intr) to enquire about or request (something)

   to seek help

5. to go or resort to

   to seek the garden for peace

6. an archaic word for explore

Other Word Forms

• seeker noun
• outseek verb (used with object)
• reseek verb (used with object)
• unseeking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of seek¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English seken, Old English sēcan; cognate with German suchen, Old Norse sœkja, Gothic sōkjan; akin to Latin sāgīre “to perceive by scent” ( presage, sagacity ); beseech

Word History and Origins

Origin of seek¹

Old English sēcan; related to Old Norse sōkja, Gothic sōkjan, Old High German suohhen, Latin sāgīre to perceive by scent; see _beseech

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. be sought after, to be desired or in demand.

   Graduates in the physical sciences are most sought after by employers these days.

see play hide and seek.

Example Sentences

Some of the messages were Hopper seeking advice from Gustavson about how he had brought about his own lower leg amputation.

From BBC

Experts also advise that you combine the sunscreen with other safety methods, such as wearing protective clothing and seeking out shade.

From BBC

This reshuffle amounts to the action of a prime minister confronted by an almighty mess - and hurriedly seeking to seize that moment for his own and his government's ends.

From BBC

After filing for bankruptcy protection for the second time this year, the low-cost airline is actively seeking to cut flight routes where they are losing money.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s always seeking her father, not just in Skinner the soldier but in herself too, the remnants of his presence thrumming through her memory.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• explore 
• follow 
• investigate 
• pursue