inquisitive

American  

[in-kwiz-i-tiv] / ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tɪv /

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.

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noun

1. an inquisitive person.

   thick curtains to frustrate inquisitives.

inquisitive British  

/ ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv /

adjective

1. excessively curious, esp about the affairs of others; prying

2. eager to learn; inquiring

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Related Words

See curious.

Other Word Forms

• inquisitively adverb
• inquisitiveness noun
• superinquisitive adjective
• superinquisitively adverb
• uninquisitive adjective
• uninquisitively adverb

Etymology

Origin of inquisitive

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

Example Sentences

She says he's inquisitive about "what the big milestones are, what the risky parts are, when he can sigh a sigh of relief, when he needs to be glued to the TV".

From BBC

A pair of inquisitive magpies followed them from tree to tree, bickering.

From Literature

He added: "These pups are growing incredibly fast and are already showing the same high-energy, inquisitive traits as their parents."

From BBC

“Ni Hao,” one of them finally says, spoken in a warped inquisitive tone, like a test.

From Los Angeles Times

Objects–from Washington’s personal copy of “Common Sense” to World War II-era posters–trace the inquisitive, forward-looking attitude of America.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• analytical
• nosy