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

With its inquisitive eyes, furry snout, and lush pelt, the mouse—nicknamed Xiao Zhu, or Little Bamboo—nimbly perched on a bamboo stalk, striking a pretty pose for the camera.

From Singularity Hub 

Their attitude toward foreign journalists, once they were in control of Kabul, was generally friendly and inquisitive.

From Washington Post

Still, she hopes these inquisitive folks take her age—74, thank you—as a reminder that everyone still has time to hike, no matter how many years they’ve been at home, awaiting their turn.

From Outside Online

It’s inquisitive, curious, and a little rebellious about it, because that’s what teenagers are.

From The Daily Beast

“Highly inquisitive, highly playful, always cheerful,” he recalls.

From The Daily Beast

But what about the eloquent, book smart, interesting, quirky, inquisitive black woman, you ask?

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, the crowd at my reading was attentive, inquisitive—and willing to spend money on printed books.

From The Daily Beast

Friends say he was a highly inquisitive man and kept his ear close to the ground.

From The Daily Beast

As Gondry asks Chomsky about his childhood, the answer soon becomes clear: a skeptical, inquisitive, combative mind.

From The Daily Beast

Gaze not upon another man's wife, and be not inquisitive after his handmaid, and approach not her bed.

From Project Gutenberg

Some were inquisitive enough to ask, Has a treaty been signed or a trick been played upon the rebels?

From Project Gutenberg

He hands a lady out; her pale blue silk domino hides her effectually from the inquisitive gaze of the crowd.

From Project Gutenberg

No more inquisitive cruisers ready to let fly a salvo at anything that stirs.

From Project Gutenberg

The man's nature was inquisitive, and he was indulging idle conjectures as to what might be the news this courier brought.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• analytical
• nosy