seek
/siːk/ (bre, ipa) · /siːk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsēk/ (ame, mw)
seek — 動詞
- seekpresent simple I / you / we / they
- seekshe / she / it
- soughtpast simple
- seeking-ing form
1. to make an active effort to find something you need or want, such as information
尋找
努力搜尋所需的東西
to make an active effort to find something you need or want, such as information, a job, or a solution to a problem.
Mizuki is seeking a job that offers better pay and flexible hours.
Mizuki 正在尋找一份待遇更好且工時彈性的工作。
seek + direct object (job)
The research team is actively seeking new ways to treat the illness.
研究團隊正在積極尋找治療這種疾病的新方法。
Ada spent months seeking information about her family's history in Japan.
Ada 花了幾個月的時間尋找她在日本的家族歷史資料。
After the earthquake, rescue teams sought survivors in the damaged buildings.
地震過後，救援隊在受損的建築物中尋找生還者。
A better solution is still being sought by the engineering department.
工程部門仍在尋找更完善的解決方案。
- 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
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
2. to turn to someone and formally ask them for guidance, assistance, or official a
尋求
向人請求意見或幫助
to turn to someone and formally ask them for guidance, assistance, or official agreement.
Pedro sought legal advice before signing the business contract.
Pedro 在簽署商業合約前，先尋求了法律建議。
seek + legal advice
The local charity is seeking donations for its after-school programs.
當地慈善機構正在為課後計畫尋求捐款。
seek + donations
You should seek permission from your manager before leaving early.
你應該先向主管尋求許可，才能提早離開。
Hamza sought help from a math tutor when his grades dropped.
Hamza 在成績下滑時向數學家教尋求協助。
Official approval is being sought by the team behind the new park.
新公園的規劃團隊正在尋求官方批准。
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
3. to make a serious effort to achieve something, especially when the outcome is un
試圖
努力嘗試做某事
to make a serious effort to achieve something, especially when the outcome is uncertain.
The new law seeks to protect endangered animals from illegal hunting.
這項新法律試圖保護瀕危動物，防止牠們遭到非法獵捕。
seek + to-infinitive (formal attempt)
Both parties are seeking to reach an agreement before the Friday deadline.
雙方都試圖在週五截止日前達成協議。
Vikram sought to explain his reasons, but nobody wanted to listen.
Vikram 試圖解釋他的理由，但沒有人想聽。
The organization seeks to reduce poverty by providing job training.
該組織試圖透過提供職業訓練來減少貧窮。
Scientists are seeking to understand how the brain stores memories.
科學家們試圖了解大腦如何儲存記憶。
- 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.