Pursuant

pur-soo-uhnt

/ˈpɜːrsuːənt/

Adjective (also used as a preposition in formal and legal contexts)

Meaning

  • Pursuant means in accordance with, as required by, or following something such as a law, rule, order, agreement, or request.
  • It is most commonly used in legal, official, and formal writing to indicate that an action is taken because of or in compliance with an authority or instruction.

Examples

  • The decision was made pursuant to company policy.
  • The contract was terminated pursuant to the terms agreed by both parties.
  • The notice was issued pursuant to the court’s order.
  • Payments were released pursuant to government regulations.
  • The employee acted pursuant to the manager’s instructions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms Antonyms
In accordance with According to As per Following In compliance with Under In line with Contrary to In violation of Against In opposition to In defiance of

Word Forms

  • Pursue (verb)
  • Pursued (verb – past tense)
  • Pursuing (verb – present participle)
  • Pursuit (noun)

Origin / Etymology

The word pursuant originates from Middle English, derived from Old French poursuivant, meaning following or pursuing. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb prosequi, meaning to follow or go after. Over time, its meaning evolved to signify following an authority, rule, or instruction.

Grammar Information

  • Commonly followed by “to” (pursuant to).
  • Used primarily in formal, legal, and official contexts.
  • Functions as an adjective modifying an action or decision.
  • Rarely used in casual or conversational English.
  • Correct usage:
    • ✔ pursuant to the law
    • ✘ pursuant of the law

Translations

  • Hindi: के अनुसार, के तहत
  • Spanish: conforme a
  • French: conformément à
  • German: gemäß
  • Arabic: بموجب
  • Chinese (Simplified): 根据
  • Tamil: படி
  • Telugu: ప్రకారం

Idioms & Phrases

  • Pursuant to law – in accordance with legal requirements
  • Pursuant to agreement – as required by an agreement
  • Pursuant to court order – following a judge’s directive

Related Words

  • Compliance
  • Regulation
  • Statute
  • Directive
  • Authorization
  • Mandate
  • Ordinance