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

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

"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

“He was smart, inquisitive and a great artist. He was a gifted child and had so much life to live.”

From Los Angeles Times

You will also recognize the inquisitive gaze of the child protagonist from “Beehive” in Torrent, now appearing in “Close Your Eyes” as Julio’s daughter, a woman in her 50s.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analytical
• nosy