Pursuits

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Activities undertaken to chase goals or engage interests in a professional or personal context
2. Actions taken to follow or accomplish particular objectives or hobbies
3. Engagements in tasks or interests intended to reach desired outcomes

Etymology: "Pursuits" is the plural of "pursuit", which came into Middle English as "pursuyte" from Old French "poursuite", a noun formed from the verb "porsuir", meaning "to pursue". That verb carries the sense of following something in order to catch or overtake it, and the English word began life with that same physical meaning of chasing a fleeing person or animal. The shift from hunting to hobbies happened gradually. Once the word had settled into English, its sense of relentless following extended to striving after an aim, and from there to the ongoing occupations people devote themselves to. The plural form "pursuits" now usually refers to the varied activities a person takes up, whether for a living or for pleasure.

Synonyms: activities, endeavors, quests

Antonyms: idleness, inactivity