inquisitiveness

[in-kwiz-i-tiv-nis]

noun

1. the quality of being given to asking questions; intellectual curiosity or eagerness for knowledge.

   Younger students often have an amazing sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness that naturally leads them into exploring and learning.

2. the quality of being excessively or inappropriately curious about other people’s affairs; nosiness.

   My landlord's inquisitiveness made me determined to seek more desirable accommodations elsewhere.

Other Word Forms

• superinquisitiveness noun
• uninquisitiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquisitiveness¹

inquisitive ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )