Follow vs. Pursue

Attribute	Follow	Pursue
Definition	To go or come after	To strive to achieve or accomplish
Intensity	Less intense	More intense
Direction	Can be passive	Active pursuit
Goal	May not have a specific goal	Usually has a specific goal
Duration	Can be short-term	Often long-term

Definition

Follow and pursue are two verbs that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. To follow means to go or come after a person or thing in motion. It can also mean to accept the guidance, command, or leadership of someone. Pursue, on the other hand, means to follow in order to catch or attack. It can also mean to engage in an activity or course of action.

Intent

When someone follows another person, they are usually doing so with the intention of keeping up with them or staying close by. Following can also imply a sense of obedience or compliance. On the other hand, pursuing someone or something suggests a more active and determined effort to achieve a goal or reach a destination. Pursuing often involves a sense of urgency or purpose.

Direction

Following typically involves moving in the same direction as the person or thing being followed. It can be a passive action, simply keeping pace with someone else's movements. Pursuing, on the other hand, often involves moving towards a specific target or goal. It implies a sense of forward motion and determination to reach a desired outcome.

Intensity

Following someone or something can be a casual or relaxed activity. It may involve simply observing or accompanying another person without any particular goal in mind. Pursuing, on the other hand, is usually a more intense and focused activity. It often involves a strong desire or determination to achieve a specific objective.

Relationship

Following can imply a sense of dependency or reliance on another person. It can suggest a subordinate or supportive role in relation to the person being followed. Pursuing, on the other hand, implies a more independent and proactive approach. It often involves taking the lead and driving towards a goal on one's own.

Examples

To illustrate the difference between following and pursuing, consider the following examples. If you are following a tour guide through a museum, you are likely staying close by and listening to their commentary. However, if you are pursuing a career in medicine, you are actively taking steps to achieve that goal, such as studying hard and applying to medical schools.