inquisitive

American  

[in-kwiz-i-tiv] / ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tɪv /

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.

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noun

1. an inquisitive person.

   thick curtains to frustrate inquisitives.

inquisitive British  

/ ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv /

adjective

1. excessively curious, esp about the affairs of others; prying

2. eager to learn; inquiring

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Related Words

See curious.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of inquisitive

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

Example Sentences

Such baseless reticence only makes us more defiant and less inquisitive.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

Anyone can assert their inquisitive expertise by the sole virtue of making the trip and setting up shop.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

But Forté was actually “an inquisitive 8-year-old who played the violin in a youth orchestra and even had a recital at the vaunted Brooklyn Academy of Music,” according to GQ.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

But, he adds that “learning should be inquisitive and not unnecessarily stressful or demanding.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

He was delicate, thin, with a curiosity that unnerved the adults, but unlike the inquisitive and sometimes clairvoyant look that the colonel had at his age, his look was blinking and somewhat distracted.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Related Words

• analytical
• nosy