inquisitive

/in'kwizitiv/

Thân thiện

A young girl gives an inquisitive look at a colorful butterfly perched on a flower.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. inquiring or appearing to inquire
   • an inquiring look
   • the police are proverbially inquisitive
2. showing curiosity
   • if someone saw a man climbing a light post they might get inquisitive
   • raised a speculative eyebrow

Từ đồng nghĩa

• speculative
• questioning
• wondering