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

Other Word Forms

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

What became quickly apparent given his intrinsic savvy and inquisitive nature was that his longterm future would likely be on the sideline.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As a journalist and inquisitive daughter, I naturally wanted to find out for myself more about what mum was planning to do.

Read more on BBC

The inquest heard Georgia was an "inquisitive, yet quiet, young person" who "possessed great kindness, sensitivity, and the ability to be truly empathetic".

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I was more curious about everything and inquisitive about other people.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Winter is superb as Didi, the marginally more decisive and inquisitive of the two principal characters.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• analytical 
• nosy