seek

seek — verb

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

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

文法句型

seek + noun phrase (job/information/solution)

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.動詞及物B1
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

文法句型

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

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.動詞及物B2
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

文法句型

seek + to-infinitive

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.