inquisitive
[ in-kwiz-i-tiv ]
/ ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tɪv /
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.
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
Words nearby inquisitive
inquire after,
inquiring,
inquiry,
inquisition,
inquisitionist,
inquisitive,
inquisitor,
inquisitor-general,
inquisitorial,
inquisitress,
inquorate
Example sentences from the Web for inquisitiveness
British Dictionary definitions for inquisitiveness
inquisitive
/ (ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv) /
adjective
excessively curious, esp about the affairs of others; prying
eager to learn; inquiring