curiosity

[ kyoor-ee-os-i-tee ]

noun

, plural cu·ri·os·i·ties.

1. the desire to learn or know about anything; inquisitiveness:

   The lesson provoked their curiosity about the natural world.

   She feels that tolerance is fed by knowledge, an open mind, and curiosity about others.

2. a curious, rare, or novel thing:

   Exhibits on display will include such curiosities as preserved smells, infrared briefcases, and cameras hidden in coats.

3. a strange, curious, or interesting quality or feature:

   How bankers from Nova Scotia set up in the Caribbean in the 1880s is a curiosity of financial history.

   One of the human brain's many curiosities is its tendency to see faces in abstract shapes.

4. Archaic. carefulness; fastidiousness.

curiosity

/ ˌkjʊərɪˈɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. an eager desire to know; inquisitiveness
2. 1. the quality of being curious; strangeness
   2. ( as modifier )

      the ring had curiosity value only

3. something strange or fascinating
4. a rare or strange object; curio
5. obsolete.
   fastidiousness

Other Words From

• non·cu·ri·os·i·ty noun
• o·ver·cu·ri·os·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of curiosity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English curiosite, either from Anglo-French or directly from Latin cūriōsitās, from cūriōs(us) curious + -itās -ity

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. curiosity killed the cat, being too inquisitive is dangerous:

   I'd really like to know what's going on in the boss's head, but then, curiosity killed the cat.

Example Sentences

They found him intellectually engaging, admired his provocative curiosity and became his friends.

From Salon

Right around that age, I became obsessed with a few brands and started collecting; whether it was trading cards or shoes or certain clothing items, there was this curiosity and interest in organizing and collecting.

From Los Angeles Times

A child at the next table watches with curiosity.

From Los Angeles Times

The review says "there was a distinct lack of curiosity shown by these senior figures and a tendency towards minimisation of the matter".

From BBC

He says teaching "found" him and he enjoys people's natural curiosity.

From BBC

Related Words

• concern
• inquisitiveness
• interest