curiosity

[kyoor-ee-os-i-tee]

noun

plural

curiosities 

1. the desire to learn or know about anything; inquisitiveness.

   The lesson provoked their curiosity about the natural world.

   She feels that tolerance is fed by knowledge, an open mind, and curiosity about others.

2. a curious, rare, or novel thing.

   Exhibits on display will include such curiosities as preserved smells, infrared briefcases, and cameras hidden in coats.

3. a strange, curious, or interesting quality or feature.

   How bankers from Nova Scotia set up in the Caribbean in the 1880s is a curiosity of financial history.

   One of the human brain's many curiosities is its tendency to see faces in abstract shapes.

4. Archaic.,  carefulness; fastidiousness.

curiosity

/ ˌkjʊərɪˈɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. an eager desire to know; inquisitiveness

2. 1. the quality of being curious; strangeness

   2. ( as modifier )

      the ring had curiosity value only

3. something strange or fascinating

4. a rare or strange object; curio

5. obsolete,  fastidiousness

Other Word Forms

• noncuriosity noun
• overcuriosity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of curiosity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English curiosite, either from Anglo-French or directly from Latin cūriōsitās, from cūriōs(us) curious + -itās -ity

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. curiosity killed the cat, being too inquisitive is dangerous.

   I'd really like to know what's going on in the boss's head, but then, curiosity killed the cat.

Example Sentences

Through the mirror’s warp, this mutual curiosity between the viewer and the viewed is mediated by refractions, glimmers and illusions.

From Salon

There has been a lot of curiosity and speculation around the brothers taking a pause from working together.

From Los Angeles Times

The movie ultimately treats us like adrenaline junkies, assuming we lack curiosity.

From Los Angeles Times

This version is a curiosity, which gives us Maigret without the Simenon.

From Los Angeles Times

Key to her groundbreaking discoveries were her curiosity and ability - quietly - to observe.

From BBC

Related Words

• concern 
• inquisitiveness 
• interest