inquisitive
/in'kwizitiv/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Eager for knowledge; inclined to investigate and learn: Describes a person who has a strong desire to know or learn new things, often by asking questions.
- Unduly curious about the affairs of others; prying: Describes a person who shows too much interest in private matters that are not their concern.
Usage and Examples
- Showing a desire to learn:
- The inquisitive child asked endless questions about how the engine worked.
- She has an inquisitive mind and loves to read scientific journals.
- Showing undue curiosity:
- Our neighbors are too inquisitive about our personal finances.
- He gave an inquisitive glance toward the private letter on the desk.
Advanced Usage
- "inquisitive about": Having a strong desire to know details concerning a specific subject.
- The students were inquisitive about the professor's research methods.
- "inquisitive by nature": Describing a person whose character is naturally curious.
- Journalists are often inquisitive by nature.
Variants and Related Words
- Inquisitively (adverb): In a curious or inquiring manner.
- The dog tilted its head inquisitively.
- Inquisitiveness (noun): The quality of being inquisitive.
- Her natural inquisitiveness led her to a career in investigative reporting.
Synonyms
- Curious: Eager to know or learn something.
- Inquiring: Seeking information or knowledge.
- Nosy (informal, often negative): Showing too much curiosity about other people's affairs.
- Prying: Inquisitive in an intrusive or meddlesome way.
Antonyms
- Indifferent: Having no particular interest or sympathy.
- Uninterested: Not interested in or concerned about something.
- Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- An inquiring mind: A phrase describing someone who is naturally curious and thoughtful.
- The best scientists possess an inquiring mind.
- To stick one's nose into something (idiom, negative): To interfere or be inquisitive about other people's private matters.
- I wish she wouldn't stick her nose into our family business.
Adjective
-
inquiring or appearing to inquire
-
an inquiring look
-
the police are proverbially inquisitive
-
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showing curiosity
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if someone saw a man climbing a light post they might get inquisitive
-
raised a speculative eyebrow
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