WordValeinquisitive
curious and eager to learn
In more detail
1. (adjective) wanting to know about many things; curious and asking a lot of questions
2. (adjective) showing too much interest in other people's private affairs; nosy
Examples
- 1. The inquisitive child asked her teacher endless questions about how the solar system works.
- 2. My inquisitive neighbor is always asking me about my personal life.
How to use inquisitive
Inquisitive is used to describe someone who asks many questions and wants to learn about things, often in a positive sense. However, it can also carry a negative connotation suggesting nosiness or prying into others' affairs. The context and tone determine whether the word is appreciative (an inquisitive child asking about the world) or critical (inquisitive neighbors inquiring about your personal life).
Common phrases
- inquisitive mind
- inquisitive look
- inquisitive child
- inquisitive questions
- inquisitive gaze
- inquisitive nature
Synonyms
curious · questioning · interested · prying · nosy
Opposites
incurious · indifferent · uninterested
Word family
inquisitively (adverb) · inquisitiveness (noun) · inquisitor (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse inquisitive with inquiring. While inquiring simply means asking or seeking information, inquisitive emphasizes the habitual quality of being curious or nosy, not just a single act of inquiry.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD