释义 |
inquisitiveness|ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪvnɪs| [f. as prec. + -ness.] The quality or character of being inquisitive; disposition to inquire; curiosity to obtain information. Now mostly in unfavourable sense: Excessive, impertinent, or prying curiosity.
1583Golding Calvin on Deut. xxviii. 167 When they debate after that maner it is not a simple inquisitiuenes, but a pride..because they would faine be esteemed. a1586Sidney Arcadia (1622) 9 He thought inquisitiuenes an vncomely guest. 1602Marston Antonio's Rev. ii. ii, Hath he..No licorish womanish inquisitivenesse? 1748Hartley Observ. Man i. iii. 361 Learning and Inquisitiveness diffuse themselves more and more amongst the Nations. 1836Hor. Smith Tin Trump. (1876) 209 Inquisitiveness—an itch for prying into other people's affairs, to the neglect of our own. 1849Lytton Caxtons 15 Childhood and genius have the same master-organ in common—inquisitiveness. |