Sought
/sɔːt/
verbB2past tense
Definition
"Sought" means that someone tried to find or get something in the past. It is the action of searching or asking for something, like help, information, or an object.
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See It in Action
To try to find or get something
- •She sought advice from her teacher before the exam.
- •They sought shelter during the storm.
- •He sought the truth about his family history.
To ask for help or information
- •Many people sought help after the accident.
- •The company sought permission to expand its business.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "sought" like "looked for," but more formal or used in stories and writing
- ✓Picture a person searching carefully in a library or on a map to find something important
- ✓It's the feeling when you really want to find a lost item or need help and you try hard to get it
- ✓Sounds like "sought" → imagine someone saying "I sought" slowly, like someone thinking deeply about their search
- ✓Think of old stories where heroes sought treasures or answers on their journeys
- ✓NOT like "found" (which means you already have it), "sought" means you are still looking or trying to get it
- ✓NOT like "asked" (which is just requesting), "sought" can include searching physically or trying to obtain something
- ✓NOT like "looked" (which can be just seeing), "sought" usually means a more active and serious search
Try Other Words
- •Searched: tried to find something (Use when the search is physical or active)
- •Asked for: requested something (Use when focusing on requesting help or permission)
- •Looked for: tried to find by looking (Use in casual or simple situations)
- •Pursued: followed or chased after something (Use when the search is continuous or focused on a goal)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix; base "seek" with irregular past form "sought")
- •Etymology: From Old English "sēcan," meaning to go or look for something
- •Historical development: Past tense "sought" has been used in English since early times, replacing simple "-ed" form because of irregular verb pattern
- •Modern usage: Used in formal writing, literature, and speech to describe past searching or requesting actions
Reflect & Connect
•What are some situations in your life where you have sought help or advice?
•How does the word "sought" sound different from "looked for" or "searched" in meaning and feeling?
Fill in the blanks
1.After losing his keys, he ___ ___ ___ help from his friends to find them.
2.The explorers ___ ___ ___ new lands beyond the mountains.
3.When people feel confused, they often ___ ___ ___ answers from experts.
4.The company ___ ___ ___ approval before starting the project.
5.Unlike "found," "sought" means the search was ___ ___ ___ completed.
6.She ___ ___ ___ shelter because the weather was very bad.
7.They ___ ___ ___ a way to solve the problem but had not decided yet.