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

She says he's inquisitive about "what the big milestones are, what the risky parts are, when he can sigh a sigh of relief, when he needs to be glued to the TV".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

“Ni Hao,” one of them finally says, spoken in a warped inquisitive tone, like a test.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

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

Occasionally John’s student Hugh Huxley would join us, but of late he was finding it difficult to enjoy Francis’ inquisitive lunchtime attacks.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Related Words

• analytical
• nosy