seek

seek — verb

1. to make an active effort to find something you need or want, such as information

1.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to make an active effort to find something you need or want, such as information, a job, or a solution to a problem.

Example

Mizuki is seeking a job that offers better pay and flexible hours.

seek + direct object (job)

The research team is actively seeking new ways to treat the illness.

Common collocations
  • seek a job
  • seek information
  • seek a cure
  • seek a solution
  • seek shelter
  • seek advice
  • actively seek
  • desperately seek
Synonyms
  • search for

    emphasises a thorough, systematic effort; slightly more active than 'seek'

  • look for

    the everyday equivalent; neutral and more common in speech

  • pursue

    implies sustained effort over time toward a goal or ambition

  • hunt for

    suggests eager or determined searching, often for something specific

Antonyms
  • ignore

    to deliberately pay no attention to something rather than looking for it

  • avoid

    to stay away from something rather than trying to find it

Grammar Patterns

seek + noun phrase (job/information/solution)

Usage Note

Frequently used with abstract nouns as the object (job, solution, information, cure) rather than everyday physical objects. For misplaced items, 'look for' is more natural.

Common Mistakes

I am seeking my keys everywhere.
I am looking for my keys everywhere.
'seek' sounds unnatural for small everyday objects you have lost; use 'look for' instead.
She sought the answer in the textbook.
She looked for the answer in the textbook.
'seek' is too formal for casual searching activities.

2. to turn to someone and formally ask them for guidance, assistance, or official a

2.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to turn to someone and formally ask them for guidance, assistance, or official agreement.

Example

Pedro sought legal advice before signing the business contract.

seek + legal advice

The local charity is seeking donations for its after-school programs.

seek + donations

Common collocations
  • seek advice
  • seek help
  • seek permission
  • seek approval
  • seek funding
  • seek support
  • seek guidance
Synonyms
  • request

    similar formality but slightly more direct; implies a clear ask rather than a search

  • ask for

    the everyday equivalent; less formal and more common in speech

  • solicit

    more formal; often used in business or legal contexts

Antonyms
  • refuse

    to say no when offered help or advice, the opposite of asking for it

  • decline

    to politely say no to an offer of assistance

Grammar Patterns

seek + noun phrase (advice/help/approval/permission)

Usage Note

Common in professional and formal contexts. The object is typically an uncountable noun (advice, help, permission) or a service-related noun (approval, funding). Avoid using this sense when asking for physical objects.

Common Mistakes

I sought the teacher for a pen.
I asked the teacher for a pen.
'seek' is not used for borrowing everyday items; use 'ask for' instead.
She sought directions to the station.
She asked for directions to the station.
'seek' sounds too formal for simple requests.

3. to make a serious effort to achieve something, especially when the outcome is un

3.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to make a serious effort to achieve something, especially when the outcome is uncertain.

Example

The new law seeks to protect endangered animals from illegal hunting.

seek + to-infinitive (formal attempt)

Both parties are seeking to reach an agreement before the Friday deadline.

Common collocations
  • seek to do
  • seek to improve
  • seek to address
  • seek to achieve
  • seek to understand
Synonyms
  • attempt to

    similar formality; emphasises the action being tried rather than the search

  • try to

    the everyday equivalent; more common and less formal

  • endeavour to

    more formal and literary; suggests sustained or determined effort

Grammar Patterns

seek + to-infinitive

Usage Note

This sense always takes a to-infinitive complement. It is mainly used in formal or written English. In everyday conversation, 'try to' or 'attempt to' is preferred.

Common Mistakes

I am seeking to finish my homework.
I am trying to finish my homework.
'seek to' is overly formal for routine tasks; use 'try to' instead.
She seeks to learn cooking.
She is trying to learn how to cook.
'seek to' sounds unnatural for personal hobbies or casual learning.
Phrasal verbs

seek out

phrasal verb

To look for someone or something until you find them.

Sara sought out the best coffee shop in the neighborhood.

Brian sought out his old friend at the reunion party.

Idioms

seek your fortune

idiom

To go to a new place hoping to become rich or successful.

Maya left her small town to seek her fortune in the city.

Diego sought his fortune in the gold mines of Alaska.

Word family

  • seeker
    nounB2
  • sought
    adjectiveB2
  • seeking
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Seek' (formal) and 'look for' (neutral, everyday) are the most common pair for trying to find something, with 'look for' used in speech and 'seek' in writing. 'Search for' suggests a thorough, systematic effort — you search for a lost document but seek a better life. 'Pursue' implies sustained effort toward a goal over time, such as pursuing a career or a dream, and carries a stronger sense of determination. 'Hunt for' is more energetic and specific, often used for physical objects or opportunities (hunting for a bargain, hunting for clues). In everyday English, 'look for' is the safest choice for most situations; use 'seek' when writing formally or when the object is abstract.

search forlook for ↗pursue ↗hunt for

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

Proto-Indo-EuropeanProto-GermanicOld EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'seek' comes from Old English 'sēcan', which meant 'to go in search of, look for, or strive after'. It can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*sōkijaną' and further to Proto-Indo-European '*seh₂g-', meaning 'to seek out or track'. Cognates include the Latin 'sagire' (to perceive keenly) and the Greek 'hēgeisthai' (to lead or guide). The past form 'sought' has been irregular since Old English, driven by sound changes in the Germanic consonant system.