seek
gb/sˈik/ us/sˈik/
B1
Kiingereza
~ 700
Maana
maana 0
Kitenzi
B1
action
1
try to find something
To try to find something.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to seek [something]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes confuse 'seek' with 'search'. 'Seek' is more formal and can mean to look for non-physical things (e.g., advice), while 'search' often means physically looking for something.
Visawe
search (Often used for physically looking for something, while 'seek' can be broader and more formal.)
Vinyume
ignore (Choosing not to look for or pay attention to something.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
seek help
|seek advice
|seek shelter
|seek approval
|seek employment
Mada
daily life
|work
|travel
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- They are seeking a new apartment in the city.
- The company is seeking talented engineers to join its team.
- She sought information about her family history.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- I seek a new job.
- He seeks help from his teacher.
- We seek a place to rest.
Kitenzi
B1
action
2
try to achieve something
To try hard to get or do something you want.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to seek [goal/result]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners may forget that 'seek' is often followed directly by the object without 'for' (e.g., 'seek help', not 'seek for help').
Visawe
pursue ('Pursue' can imply more active, ongoing effort, while 'seek' can be broader and sometimes formal.)
Vinyume
avoid (To deliberately not attempt to achieve or obtain something.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
seek justice
|seek approval
|seek change
|seek peace
Mada
business
|personal development
|core_vocabulary
|work
Mifano
- The organization seeks to improve living conditions for refugees.
- He is seeking a promotion at work.
- They sought peace after years of conflict.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- I seek a better life.
- She seeks to win the race.
- We seek peace in our country.
Kitenzi
formal
B2
action
3
formally request something
To ask for something politely or officially.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to seek [permission/approval/help]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes use 'ask' instead of 'seek' in formal writing, which can make the tone too casual.
Visawe
request ('Request' is more common in everyday use; 'seek' sounds more formal or official.)
Vinyume
refuse (To deny a request rather than make one.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
seek permission
|seek approval
|seek assistance
Mada
law
|business
|communication
Mifano
- You must seek permission before entering the restricted area.
- They are seeking approval from the board for the new project.
- She sought assistance from the embassy.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- We seek permission to enter.
- I seek help from the manager.
- He seeks approval from his boss.
Sarufi
Umbo la kamusi
seek
IPA
GB/sˈik/
US/sˈik/
Silabi na mkazo
seek (silabi 1)
Stress on 1st syllable (seek)
Maumbo ya neno
Verb
- Base: seek
- 3rd Person Singular: seeks
- Present Participle: seeking
- Past: sought
- Past Participle: sought
Familia ya neno
Vidokezo muhimu
- Irregular past: sought Verb
- Irregular past participle: sought Verb
Semi
seek after
1/sˈik ˈæftɚ/
phrasal verb
formal
try to get something desired
To try to get something that many people want.
Mifano
- The award is highly sought after by young scientists.
- He has long sought after a position in the company.
seek medical attention
1/sˈik mˈɛdɪkəl ətˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
get professional medical help
To go to a doctor or nurse for help with a health problem.
Mifano
- If symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately.
- He was told to seek medical attention after the accident.
seek out
1/sˈik ˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
find by searching hard
To look for someone or something until you find them or it.
Mifano
- He sought out the best local restaurants during his trip.
- You should seek out professional advice before making a decision.
seek refuge
1/sˈik ɹˈɛfjud͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
look for safety from danger
To look for a safe place away from danger or trouble.
Mifano
- They sought refuge in a nearby church during the storm.
- Many families sought refuge in shelters during the flood.
- Many people sought refuge abroad during the war.
- They sought refuge from the heat under a large tree.
seek revenge
1/sˈik ɹivˈɛnd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
try to punish someone back
To try to hurt someone because they hurt you first.
Mifano
- He sought revenge on those who betrayed him.
- The main character spends the whole movie seeking revenge for his family’s death.
- She was determined to seek revenge after the insult.
- Rather than seeking revenge, she chose to rebuild her life.
- He left the gang because he was tired of always seeking revenge.