The spelling of the two-word phrase "chase after" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Chase" is pronounced /tʃeɪs/ with a "ch" sound (/tʃ/) followed by "ay" (/eɪ/) and "s" (/s/). "After" is pronounced /ˈæftər/ with the stress on the first syllable (/ˈæf/) followed by "t" (/t/) and "er" (/ər/). When spoken together quickly, the "s" and "a" sounds can blend together, making it sound like "chays after."
"Chase after" is a phrasal verb which refers to the act of pursuing or eagerly seeking something or someone. It implies a determined effort or a strong desire to attain or catch up with the desired target. This expression can be used both in a literal and figurative sense.
In the literal sense, "chase after" denotes the physical act of actively pursuing someone or something that is moving away from the person. For instance, if a person is chasing after a bus, it means they are running or exerting effort to catch up with it.
In a figurative sense, "chase after" implies striving to acquire a goal, yearning for an aspiration, or constantly seeking something intangible like success, love, or recognition. For example, if one is chasing after a dream, it means they are ardently working towards achieving their ambitions or desires.
This expression suggests a persistent and enthusiastic behavior, indicating a strong motivation to reach the desired outcome or obtain what is sought after. It often conveys a sense of determination, perseverance, and active pursuit. However, it does not necessarily imply a rational or well-thought-out strategy for attaining the pursued goal.
The word "chase" comes from the Old French verb "chacier" meaning "to hunt", which has its roots in the Latin word "captiare" meaning "to capture". The word "after" is derived from the Old English word "æfter", which means "toward the back of" or "in pursuit of". When combined, "chase after" in its literal sense means "to pursue or follow something or someone in order to capture or catch up with them".