The difference between Ensue and Pursue

When used as verbs, ensue means to follow (a leader, inclination etc.), whereas pursue means to follow urgently, originally with intent to capture or harm.


check bellow for the other definitions of Ensue and Pursue

  1. Ensue as a verb (obsolete, transitive):

    To follow (a leader, inclination etc.).

  2. Ensue as a verb (obsolete, transitive):

    To follow (in time), to be subsequent to.

  3. Ensue as a verb (intransitive):

    To occur afterwards, as a result or effect.

    Examples:

    "Give three freshmen six bottles of wine, and hilarity will ensue."

  1. Pursue as a verb (ambitransitive):

    To follow urgently, originally with intent to capture or harm; to chase.

  2. Pursue as a verb (transitive):

    To follow, travel down (a particular way, course of action etc.).

    Examples:

    "Her rival pursued a quite different course."

  3. Pursue as a verb (transitive):

    To aim for, go after (a specified objective, situation etc.).

  4. Pursue as a verb (transitive):

    To participate in (an activity, business etc.); to practise, follow (a profession).

  5. Pursue as a verb (intransitive):

    To act as a legal prosecutor.

Compare words: