inquisitive
[ in-kwiz-i-tiv ]
/ ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tɪv /
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adjective
given to inquiry, research, or asking questions; eager for knowledge; intellectually curious: an inquisitive mind.
unduly or inappropriately curious; prying.
noun
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 for inquisitive
2. See curious.
OTHER WORDS FROM inquisitive
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use inquisitive in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for inquisitive
inquisitive
/ (ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv) /
adjective
excessively curious, esp about the affairs of others; prying
eager to learn; inquiring
Derived forms of inquisitive
inquisitively, adverbinquisitiveness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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