inquisitive

[ in-kwiz-i-tiv ]

adjective

1. given to inquiry, research, or asking questions; eager for knowledge; intellectually curious:

   an inquisitive mind.

   Antonyms: uninterested

2. unduly or inappropriately curious; prying.

noun

1. an inquisitive person:

   thick curtains to frustrate inquisitives.

inquisitive

/ ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv /

adjective

1. excessively curious, esp about the affairs of others; prying
2. eager to learn; inquiring

Derived Forms

• inˈquisitively, adverb
• inˈquisitiveness, noun

Other Words From

• in·quis·i·tive·ly adverb
• in·quis·i·tive·ness noun
• su·per·in·quis·i·tive adjective
• su·per·in·quis·i·tive·ly adverb
• un·in·quis·i·tive adjective
• un·in·quis·i·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquisitive¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Late Latin inquīsītīvus, equivalent to Latin inquīsīt(us) ( inquisition ) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English inquisitif, from Middle French, from Late Latin, as above

Synonym Study

See curious.

Example Sentences

It all came together in an unexpected way to create a mini-farm garden retreat that also provided hands-on lessons in landscaping for their inquisitive 8-year-old son, Early, whose alternative school closed in the first weeks of the pandemic shutdown.

From Los Angeles Times

But both programs, which have millions of followers, have evolved: “The View” is one of the most popular stops for presidential candidates of both parties, and Stern has transformed into a therapy-touting, inquisitive interviewer.

From Los Angeles Times

But from the inside, this nonprofit arts and culture organization appears to be nothing more than a diverse community of inquisitive minds happy to spend an entire Saturday listening to lectures about death and dying at the Memento Mori Festival hosted in their 200-person auditorium.

From Los Angeles Times

"Although capybara are generally friendly and inquisitive animals, the animal should not be approached as it could become unpredictable if alarmed or cornered."

From BBC

We really try to be very inquisitive about how things are brought to market, how the farmer handles the food and how it gets to us.

From Salon

Related Words

• analytical
• nosy