Sought is the past tense of the verb “seek,” which means to look for something or to try to obtain it. When you sought your lost homework, you searched through your backpack and around your room. When a scientist sought an answer to a difficult question, she designed experiments and analyzed data until she found it.

The word often suggests active, purposeful searching rather than casual looking. If your school sought a new music teacher, the principal didn't just wait for someone to appear but advertised the position, interviewed candidates, and chose carefully. When explorers sought new trade routes centuries ago, they risked dangerous ocean voyages.

You'll also see sought in the phrase “much sought after,” which describes something many people want. A much-sought-after trading card is one that collectors actively try to find. A teacher known for making learning fun becomes a much-sought-after favorite when students hope to get into her class.

Notice that sought carries a sense of effort and intention. You might stumble across a lucky penny, but you sought the library book you needed for your report.