seek

To look for someone or something you want or need.

• You should seek help.
• Police sought the missing child.
• Where can I seek advice about housing?

How to use it: seek someone/something (Police are seeking witnesses to the accident.); seek someone/something out (She sought out an expert for advice.)

Similar words: look for, search for

Common phrases: seek help, seek advice, seek someone out

To try to get or achieve something you want.

• They seek a better life.
• She sought compensation for the damage.
• The group is seeking support from local businesses.

How to use it: seek something from someone (They sought permission from the council.); seek to do something (The company seeks to reduce waste.)

Similar words: pursue, try to obtain

Common phrases: seek approval, seek employment, seek permission

To try to reach a particular place.

• The boat sought the shore.
• They sought higher ground as the water rose.
• He sought the nearest exit through the smoke.

Similar words: make for, head for

Common phrases: seek the shore, seek the exit, seek higher ground