The phrase "chased after" consists of two words, each with their own distinct pronunciation. The first word, "chased," is pronounced /tʃeɪst/, with the initial sound being a voiceless postalveolar affricate /tʃ/. The second word, "after," is pronounced /ˈæftər/, with the initial sound being a voiced labiodental fricative /v/. When these two words are combined, the final sound of "chased" (the /d/ sound) blends smoothly into the initial sound of "after" (the /æ/ sound), resulting in the cohesive phrase "chased after."
The term "chased after" is a phrasal verb primarily associated with the pursuit or pursuit of someone or something. It refers to the act of actively and energetically going after a person, object, or goal with determination, often involving physical or metaphorical pursuit. This phrase implies a sense of urgency, eagerness, or strong desire to attain or catch up with the subject being chased.
When used in the context of pursuing a person, it typically suggests that someone is romantically interested in another individual and is diligently trying to win their attention or affection. It implies taking deliberate actions to engage with the person, such as frequently trying to spend time with them, accompany them, or show general interest in their life. In other cases, "chased after" may imply an effort to catch up with someone who is physically moving away or eluding the pursuer.
Beyond personal relationships, "chased after" can also be used metaphorically to describe ambitious endeavors or intense determination in pursuing a particular objective or ambition. This could involve pursuing a job opportunity, an academic goal, or any sort of aspiration that requires persistent effort and dedication.
Overall, "chased after" denotes an active, enthusiastic, and determined pursuit, whether it is related to a person, an object, or an aspiration.
The word chased after is a combination of two separate origins.
1. Chase comes from the Old French word chacier, which originated from the Late Latin word captiare, meaning to pursue or hunt. It ultimately comes from the Latin word captare, meaning to seize or capture. Over time, the Middle English word chasen emerged as a variation of chacier, which eventually evolved into the modern English word chase.
2. After comes from the Old English word æfter, which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word *aftaro. It has a general meaning of behind or in pursuit of.
When these two words are combined, chased after can be interpreted as pursuing or following someone or something in order to capture, overtake, or reach it.