inquisitive
[in-kwiz-i-tiv]
- given to inquiry, research, or asking questions; eager for knowledge; intellectually curious: an inquisitive mind.
- unduly or inappropriately curious; prying.
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- an inquisitive person: thick curtains to frustrate inquisitives.
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Origin of inquisitive
1350–1400; < Late Latin inquīsītīvus, equivalent to Latin inquīsīt(us) (see inquisition) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English inquisitif < Middle French < Late Latin, as above
Synonym study
2. See curious.
Antonyms for inquisitive
1, 2. uninterested.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for inquisitively
Historical Examples of inquisitively
The Professor—I had guessed his identity—joined us, glancing at me inquisitively.
The Bacillus of BeautyHarriet Stark
I then gazed at her so inquisitively that she understood instinctively.
My Double LifeSarah Bernhardt
Mr. Burns sighed, glanced at me inquisitively, as much as to say, "Aren't you going yet?"
The Shadow-LineJoseph Conrad
She raised to me not her eyes but her whole face, inquisitively—perhaps in appeal.
The Arrow of GoldJoseph Conrad
The surgeon glanced at him inquisitively, but asked no questions.
Robert Hardy's Seven DaysCharles Monroe Sheldon
inquisitive
- excessively curious, esp about the affairs of others; prying
- eager to learn; inquiring
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for inquisitively
inquisitive
late 14c., from Old French inquisitif, from Late Latin inquisitivus "making inquiry," from Latin inquisit-, past participle stem of inquirere (see inquire).
An housbonde shal nat been Inquisityf of goddes pryuetee nor of his wyf. [Chaucer, "Miller's Prologue"]
Related: Inquisitively; inquisitiveness.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper