The correct spelling is “pursue.” “Persue” is an incorrect spelling.
The word means to chase someone physically or to try to achieve a goal, dream, or career over time.
This guide breaks down exactly why pursue is correct and persue is not.
What Does “Pursue” Mean?
Pursue is the right way to spell the word, using two “u” letters — one after the p, one in the second syllable.
Example: “She decided to pursue a career in medicine.”
Common uses of “pursue” in everyday writing:
- “Police officers pursue a suspect through the city.”
- “He wants to pursue his dream of writing a novel.”
- “The company will pursue a new business strategy.”
“Pursue” in Different Writing Contexts
Why People Misspell It as “Persue”
Persue is a common misspelling that is not accepted in standard English dictionaries.
The mistake usually comes from the way the word sounds when spoken quickly, along with confusion from similar words like “peruse,” which does start with “per-.”
Where the Confusion Comes From
Meanings and Uses
To chase: To follow someone or something to catch them — “police officers pursue a suspect.”
To try to attain: To work hard for a goal, career, or hobby — “to pursue a college degree or a dream.”
To continue an action: To keep talking about a topic or following a specific plan — “to pursue a new business strategy.”
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Phrases
Synonyms for pursue: chase, follow, seek, strive for, go after, aim for.
Antonyms: abandon, avoid, give up, quit, ignore.
Related phrases: “pursue a career” (work toward a professional goal), “pursue happiness” (seek fulfillment or contentment), “pursue legal action” (take formal steps through the law).
Memory Tip
The easiest way to remember the correct spelling:
Pursue — think “purpose.” Both start with “pur-,” linking the idea of chasing a goal with intention and drive.
Persue — think “person confused.” There’s no accepted context where this spelling is correct in standard English.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct spelling: persue or pursue?
Pursue is the only correct spelling. Persue is a common misspelling not found in standard dictionaries.
Why do people misspell pursue?
Writers often confuse the unstressed first syllable, or mix it up with the similar-sounding word “peruse,” which does start with “per-.”
Is persue ever correct in any English variant?
No. Persue isn’t accepted in American, British, or any other standard English variant — it’s simply a spelling error.
How can I remember the spelling of pursue?
Link it to “purpose” — both start with “pur-,” which can help anchor the correct first syllable in memory.
What words commonly follow pursue?
Common pairings include pursue a career, pursue a degree, pursue happiness, pursue a dream, pursue legal action, and pursue an interest.
Is pursue formal or informal?
Pursue works well in both formal and everyday writing, though it leans slightly formal compared to simpler alternatives like “chase” or “go after.”
What does persue mean?
Persue doesn’t have its own meaning — it’s simply a misspelling of pursue, which means to chase or to work toward a goal.
What does pursue mean in love?
In a romantic context, to pursue someone means to actively show interest and make an effort to build a relationship with them.
What is a persue?
There’s no such word as “persue” in standard English — it’s always meant to be pursue.
What is another word for “pursue”?
Common alternatives include chase, seek, follow, strive for, and go after, depending on the context.
How to use pursue in a sentence?
“She worked nights and weekends to pursue her dream of opening a bakery.” The word fits naturally before a goal, career, or plan.
Conclusion
Pursue is the only correct spelling, and persue is a common mistake, often caused by confusion with “peruse” or the word’s unstressed first syllable. Whether you’re chasing a goal, a career, or a suspect, the two “u” spelling stays the same every time.
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