Pronunciation: [kwˈɛst ˈaftə] (IPA) 
The phrase "quest after" is spelled /kwɛst ˈæftər/. The first syllable, "quest," is pronounced with a short "e" sound (as in "bed") followed by a "kw" sound. The second syllable, "after," is pronounced with a short "a" sound (as in "cat") followed by a "f" sound and a schwa (indicated by the upside-down "e") sound. Together, the phrase means to search for or seek something, usually with a sense of purpose or determination.
Verb
1. To seek or search for something in a determined and persistent manner.
Example: The archaeologists quested after the lost city for years, hoping to uncover its ancient secrets.
2. To pursue and strive for a particular goal or objective.
Example: She quested after knowledge and spent hours studying a wide range of subjects in her personal pursuit of intellectual growth.
3. To actively pursue or chase after someone or something, usually with a sense of urgency or intensity.
Example: The detective quested after the elusive suspect, following a trail of clues and witnesses in an attempt to solve the mysterious case.
4. To embark on a journey or expedition, often accompanied by challenges or obstacles, in order to accomplish a specific task or find a certain reward.
Example: The brave knight went on a quest after the enchanted sword, bravely facing dangerous monsters and treacherous terrain along the way.
5. To strive for self-discovery or personal growth, often through introspection, reflection, or exploration of one's own emotions, desires, and beliefs.
Example: During her sabbatical, she went on a spiritual quest after inner peace and enlightenment, engaging in meditation and introspection to find clarity and harmony within herself.
The phrase "quest after" is a combination of two words with distinct etymologies:
1. Quest: The word "quest" originated from the Old French word "queste", which came from the Latin word "quaesta" meaning "search" or "inquiry". "Quaesta" derives from the Latin verb "quaerere", which means "to seek" or "to ask".
2. After: The word "after" primarily comes from the Old English word "æfter", which shares similarities with the Old Frisian word "efter", Old High German word "aftaru", and Old Norse word "aptar". All of them ultimately derive from the Proto-Germanic word "*aftar". This word has the implication of "behind" or "in succession to".
