adjective
inquisitive
in-KWIZ-uh-tiv/ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv/
Curious and eager to learn, sometimes about others' private affairs.
An inquisitive child asks the museum guide about a mechanical exhibit.
Etymology
The underlying idea is actively seeking into a subject. An adjective meaning 'making inquiry' came to describe someone's disposition: an inquisitive person is habitually eager to find things out.
In context
he was somewhat inquisitive, and always tortured by his anxiety to learn something new
More examples
- Her inquisitive mind leads her to explore how things work.
- The students grow more inquisitive with every science lesson.
- My inquisitive neighbor keeps asking how much I earn.
Forms
inquisitive · more inquisitive · most inquisitive
inquisitiveness noun — Eagerness to ask questions and learn.
inquisitively adverb — In a way that shows eager curiosity.
Similar words
- curious
- Describes interest in knowing, without necessarily suggesting active questioning.
- nosy
- Specifically criticizes unwanted interest in other people's private affairs.