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单词 curious
释义

curiousadj.adv.

Brit. /ˈkjʊərɪəs/, /ˈkjɔːrɪəs/, U.S. /ˈkjʊriəs/
Forms: Middle English coryous, corious, curiuse, curiyus, Middle English–1500s curiouse, curyous, Middle English corius, coriouse, coryowse, curiouss, curiowse, curiose, curyws, curyose, Middle English–1500s curyouse, curius, 1500s courious, Middle English– curious.
Etymology: < Old French curius ( Ch. de Rol., 11th cent.) = Provençal curios, Spanish curioso, Italian curioso < Latin cūriōsus used only subjectively ‘full of care or pains, careful, assiduous, inquisitive’; French has also the objective sense in 14th cent. (robes curieuses).A word which has been used from time to time with many shades of meaning; the only senses now really current are A. 5, A. 16, and (in some applications) A. 9.
A. adj.
I. As a subjective quality of persons.
†1.
a. Bestowing care or pains; careful; studious, attentive. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [adjective]
busyOE
carefula1000
orne?c1225
intentivec1290
soignous1340
curiousc1386
diligentc1400
well-advisedc1405
thoughtfulc1450
thoughtyc1480
keepful1489
tentfula1525
respective1525
solicit?1526
heedful1548
heedy1548
tentyc1555
chare1564
respectful1585
tentible1603
solicitous1610
observant1627
care-taking1825
leery1911
c1386 G. Chaucer Shipman's Tale 243 My deere wif, I the byseeke..For to kepe oure good be curious.
c1500 Melusine (1895) 109 Melusyne was full curyous and besy to make al thinges redy.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. clx. f. lxxxixv He shold take hym vnto his cure, and be to hym as curyous as he wolde be vnto his owne chylde.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1593) v. sig. Qq2 But the curious seruvuant of Philanax forbad him the entrye.
1650 Bp. J. Taylor Rule & Exercises Holy Living i. §1 He that is curious of his time, will not easily be unready and unfurnished.
1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 20 The French Gardeners..are..very curious to observe, that no broken part of a mushroom be left.
1779 S. Johnson Cowley in Pref. Wks. Eng. Poets I. 83 They were not always strictly curious, whether the opinions..were true.
†b. Anxious, concerned, solicitous. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being upset or perturbed > worry > anxiety > [adjective]
busyOE
howful970
carefulOE
angerful?c1225
yemelichc1275
thoughtfulc1300
anguishousc1325
curiousc1400
carkfulc1449
solicitate?a1475
solicit?1526
fearful1535
anxious1548
carking1567
solicitous1570
solicitudinousa1682
thoughted1869
uptight1934
c1400 Rom. Rose 1052 Many a traitour envious, That ben ful busie and curious For to dispraise, and to blame.
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 56/2 Among those yt were more amorous of her body then curious of her soule.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) i. vi. 192 And I am something curious..To haue them in safe stowage. View more context for this quotation
a1697 Strathspey Let. in Aubrey's Misc. 212 Being curious for nothing but the Verity.
†2. Careful as to the standard of excellence; difficult to satisfy; particular; nice, fastidious. Obsolete.
a. esp. in food, clothing, matters of taste.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > [adjective]
curiousc1380
tasted?1802
aesthetic1812
theoretic1846
well-tasted1911
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > fastidiousness > [adjective]
chisa700
estfula1000
esquaymous1303
squeamousc1325
overnicec1350
curiousc1380
dangerousc1386
delicatea1393
preciousc1395
nicec1400
skigc1400
over-delicatea1425
daintethc1430
ticklec1456
quaint1483
dauncha1500
pickinga1500
feat?1529
elegant?1533
queasy1545
fine1546
fine-fingered1549
fastidious?1555
fine-mouthed1559
chary1567
weamish1571
saucy1573
dainty1576
superfine1576
niced1577
overcurious1579
nicing1581
fineish1582
prick-me-dainty1583
daint1590
finical1592
tiptoe-nice1593
nice1594
nicking1598
choice1601
squeamish1608
marchpane1609
hypercritical1611
particular1616
finicking1661
overcritical1667
just so1696
penurious1703
fal-lal1747
ogertful1754
nackety1756
quiddling1789
pernickety1808
pershittie1808
taffety1814
hypercritic1820
faddy1824
finicky1825
meticulous1827
daintified1834
squeamy1838
picksome1855
choosey1862
picky1867
hyperaesthetic1879
persnickety1885
précieux1891
perskeet1897
tasty1905
Nice Nelly1922
perfectionist1942
snicketya1960
perfectionistic1968
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > notice, observation > [adjective] > observing, observant
perceivantc1390
markingc1580
regardfula1586
regardant1588
curiousa1592
observant1599
observing1607
observative1609
animadversive1642
smoky1688
notice-taking1816
noteful1838
the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > investigation, inspection > close examination, scrutiny > [adjective]
curiousa1592
deep-searching1598
scrutinous1599
minutea1697
scrutinizing1782
dissective1860
vivisectivea1876
scrutinant1876
vivisecting1876
dissecting1891
scrutatory1893
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > [adjective] > correct in procedure, operation, etc.
just?1556
curiousa1592
exact1597
punctual1620
correct1705
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 205 Take meete and drinke in mesure, ne to costli ne to licorouse, and be not to corious þeraboute.
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. vii. 17 Not curyous of mygnotes, folyetes ne of iewellis.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 45 Be not curious to curlle thy haire.
a1592 H. Smith Serm. (1866) II. 329 Christ was not curious in his diet.
1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 232 There was one that was very curious in keeping of his beard.
1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall II. 45 They soon became..curious in their diet and apparel.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. iii. 63 In arranging which [sc. the hair] men at that time..were very nice and curious.
†b. generally. Particular; cautious. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > [adjective]
warelyOE
warec1000
adviseda1325
averty1330
aware1340
ferdfula1382
well-advisedc1405
circumspect1430
hooly1513
fearful1526
curiousa1533
chary1542
wareful1548
cautelous1574
cauty1579
careful1580
wary1580
retentive1599
wary1599
ginger1600
circumstant1603
cautel1606
shya1616
cautionate1616
warisome1628
cautiousa1640
circumspectious1649
circumspectivea1674
gingerish1764
safe1874
pussy-footed1893
pussyfooting1926
risk-averse1961
risk-adverse1969
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. H.ii Wise among wyse men, as it is couenable for a curiouse prynce to be.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iv. iv. 35 For curious I cannot be with you Signior Baptista. View more context for this quotation
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. iii. iii. 252 The Italians, in regard of their clime, are very curious to receive strangers in a time of plague.
1662 B. Gerbier Brief Disc. Princ. Building 15 Builders ought also to be very curious and carefull in the choice of the place to Build a Seat on.
1692 J. Locke Some Thoughts conc. Educ. §92 In this Choice be as curious, as you would be in that of a Wife for him.
1772 E. Burke Corr. (1844) I. 375 Men of integrity are curious, sometimes too curious, in the choice of means.
†c. Particular about details, or as to manner of action. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [adjective] > scrupulously careful or attentive to detail
curious1570
nice1589
particular1616
scrupulous1638
elaborate1649
morose1695
minutiose1868
minutious1891
meticulous1952
1570 B. Googe tr. T. Kirchmeyer Popish Kingdome Ded. sig. B2 Wherein I haue the lesse beene curious, bycause it was chiefly made for the benifite of the common, and simpler sorte.
1658 W. Gurnall Christian in Armour: 2nd Pt. 243 What is the Gospel of all this? but that God is very curious in his worship.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World Pref. sig. A3v I have not been curious as to the spelling of the Names of Places, Plants, Fruits, Animals.
1743 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer (ed. 2) III. 195 The Alewives..are most of them as curious in their brewing it [White Ale] as the Dairy-woman in making her Butter.
†3.
a. Careful or nice in observation or investigation, accurate. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [adjective] > scrupulously careful or attentive to detail > in investigation or observation
curious1642
1642 T. Fuller Holy State ii. xxi. 137 Having in his whole voyage, though a curious searcher after the time, lost one day.
1764 T. Harmer Observ. Passages Script. xxi. xi. 88 Ascertained by some curious and accurate person.
1816 S. W. Singer Researches Hist. Playing Cards i. 10 It is to be desired that some curious orientalist may think the subject worthy an attentive enquiry.
b. Said of the eye, ear, etc.
ΚΠ
1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. iv. 31 What curious eye doth coate deformitie. View more context for this quotation
1684 R. Howlett School Recreat. 9 The little Beagle..is of exceeding Cunning, and curious Scent in Hunting.
1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 208 The difference..is very small, and such as might escape even a curious Eye in so dim an Inscription.
a1713 T. Ellwood Hist. Life (1714) 135 Having a curious Ear, he understood by my Tone, when I understood what I read.
†4. Ingenious, skilful, clever, expert. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > ingenious
craftlyOE
craftyOE
quainta1250
enginefulc1400
maliciousc1425
industriousc1487
curious1489
ingenious1576
daedal1590
Daedalian1607
fertile-headed1632
knacky1710
supple1710
tricksome1821
tactical1883
tricky1887
fertile-brained1894
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) x. 359 A crafty man and a curious.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 11677 A tre, But no clerke is so corious to ken vs the nome.
1582 T. Watson Ἑκατομπαθία: Passionate Cent. Loue Ep. Ded. The curious pensill of Apelles.
1651 T. Fuller Abel Redevivus 446 A curious Limner was employed to draw his picture to the life.
1715 J. Richardson Ess. Theory of Painting 28 A curious Mechanick's Hand must be exquisite.
1782 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting (ed. 3) III. App. 295 That neat and curious painter Vander Heyden.
5.
a. Desirous of seeing or knowing; eager to learn; inquisitive. Often with condemnatory connotation: Desirous of knowing what one has no right to know, or what does not concern one, prying. (The current subjective sense.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > [adjective] > unduly
curiousa1340
inquisitive1529
prying1552
peering1568
speculative1605
emissitious1620
peeking1680
mousing1692
peery1699
long-nebbed1706
inquisitorial1796
nosy1827
nebby1860
inscrutive1882
rootin' tootin'1882
snoopy1895
stickybeak1917
nibby1942
pirooting1958
the mind > attention and judgement > [adjective]
inquisitivec1386
inquiring1598
investigating1631
inquirous1632
burrow-headed1650
curious1653
interested1665
inquisitous1694
interrogative1709
yuky1719
Eve-ish1753
inquisite1808
wondering1810
percontatorial1849
questionous1893
quizzy1920
curious-minded1928
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter cxxxvi. 3 Þei are curiouse & wold witt þat þei are nouȝt worthi till.
c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame i. 29 That somme man is to curiouse In studye.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) iv. 687 Bot feill folk ar sa curious, And to wit thingis covatous.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Fiiv Howe no person shulde be curious in askyng questions concernyng the secretes of god.
1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xliv. 172 He was a man very curious, and much inclined to hear of novelties, and rare things.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison I. xiii. 72 Those branches of science, which principally serve for amusement to inquisitive and curious [printed cariuis] minds.
1833 H. Martineau Brooke & Brooke Farm (ed. 3) x. 116 Two or three neighbours..were curious to know what he had seen abroad.
1873 E. E. Hale In his Name vi. 64 Crowded with curious idlers.
†b. Minute in inquiry or discrimination, subtle.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > misleading argument, sophistry > excessive subtlety, hair-splitting > [adjective]
oversubtle1490
curious1585
metaphysical1646
metaphysic1663
subtle1668
subtilizing1683
hair-splitting1820
straw-splitting1828
pilpulistic1878
1585 Abp. E. Sandys Serm. vi. 99 The quiddities of too curious schoolemen.
†c. Devoting attention to occult art. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > [adjective] > instructed or dealing in
curious1549
mysterious1583
initiatea1610
initiated1621
1549 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Eph. in Paraphr. New Test. Argt. That Citie was full of Curiouse menne, and suche as were geuen to magicall artes.
1578 T. Tymme tr. J. Calvin Comm. Genesis 35 Certaine courious persons abuse this place to colour their vaine prognostications.
1606 Bp. J. Hall Heauen vpon Earth 191 Curious men, that consult with starres, and spirits for their destinies.
d. Of actions, etc.: Prompted by curiosity.
ΚΠ
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. i. 39 Every now and then she stole a curious look at my face as if to make quite sure that I was not deceiving her.
1876 J. S. Blackie Songs Relig. & Life 191 Live, and make no curious comment.
†6.
a. Taking the interest of a connoisseur in any branch of art; skilled as a connoisseur or virtuoso. Const. of, in and infinitive. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > expert, proficient, or versed > in an art, pursuit, or subject
strongOE
knowingc1436
experimented1477
well seen1528
well-studied1530
well-read1574
well beseen1576
curious1577
technical1617
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 170v Yet of many curious and fine fellowes, for their rarenesse & dayntinesse, they [sc. pheasants] are brought vp, and kept.
1644 J. Evelyn Mem. (1857) I. 69 Monsieur Morine..one of the most skilful and curious persons in France for his rare collection of shells, flowers, and insects.
1693 J. Evelyn tr. J. de La Quintinie Compl. Gard'ner i. ii. iii. §vii. 24 Gentlemen that are Curious in Gard'ning.
1740 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. (ed. 2) VII. 293 He was exceedingly curious in pictures and designs by great masters.
1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 177. ⁋5 A select company of curious men, who met once a week to exhilarate their studies, and compare their acquisitions. Every one of these virtuosos, etc.
1792 Copper-Plate Mag. No. 6 The bishop's family being curious botanists.
b. In this sense often absolutely in plural.
ΚΠ
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 115 Her Carrauans lodge exceeds her Mosque, yet neither, of power to beget admiration with the curious.
1708 Chamberlayne's Magnæ Britanniæ Notitia (1743) i. iii. ii. 158 There are several Specimens yet remaining in the Cabinets of the Curious.
1768 W. Gilpin Ess. Prints 241 A few impressions had been taken from the plate in its first state, which sell among the curious for ten times the price.
1838 H. Hallam Introd. Lit. Europe II. ii. 138 The curious in bibliography are conversant with other versions and editions of the sixteenth century.
II. As an objective quality of things, etc.
†7.
a. Made with care or art; skilfully, elaborately or beautifully wrought. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > having practical, operative, or constructive skill > skilfully made or wrought > and elaborate
curiousc1384
exquisite1561
Daedalian1607
pandaedalian1618
elaborate1621
daedala1649
inextricable1692
Bezaleelian1878
c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame i. 125 Moo curiouse portreytures..then I sawgh euer.
?a1400 Morte Arth. 61 Thare a citee he sette..with curious walles.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 7848 A bischop staff was preciouse, And in makyng full curiouse.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 11v Doth not experience teach vs that in the most curious Sepulchre are enclosed rotten bones?
1611 Bible (King James) Exod. xxviii. 27 The curious girdle of the Ephod. View more context for this quotation
1653 H. More Antidote against Atheisme ii. ix. 84 Made themselves such curious and safe Nests in Bushes and Trees.
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. ii. 20 If your work be intended to be curious, the true squarefiling the upper side..is a great ornament.
1772 J. Adams tr. A. de Ulloa Voy. S. Amer. (ed. 3) I. iv. ix. 182 [Boats]..of a more curious and elegant construction.
†b. Of food, clothing, etc.: Exquisitely prepared, dainty, delicate, recherché. Obsolete or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > specifically of food or clothing
curiousc1394
c1394 P. Pl. Crede 765 And comeren her stomakes With curiuse drynkes.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 1353 In þe clernes of his concubines & curious wedez.
?1521 A. Barclay Bk. Codrus & Mynalcas sig. Biij I aske no palays, nor lodgynge curyous.
1615 J. Stephens Satyrical Ess. A vij b The inviter..cannot well provide..One dish so curious, as may please each tast.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) ii. v. 53 His Viands sparkling in a Golden Cup, His bodie couched in a curious bed. View more context for this quotation
1702 C. Mather Magnalia Christi iii. i. i. 26/1 Had he not made a careful, tho' not curious Diet serve him.
1865 A. C. Swinburne Leper in Poems & Ballads 6 I served her wine and curious meat.
†8. Carefully worked out or prepared; elaborate. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [adjective] > scrupulously careful or attentive to detail > characterized by scrupulous care > worked out in great detail
curious1561
elaborate1621
nice-driven1630
elaborative1845
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > elegance > [adjective] > elaborate
curious1561
set1573
elaborated1596
composeda1616
elaborate1621
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. ii. f. 145 Ye obiections are not so strong that they nede a curious confutation.
1573 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 44 Not to look after ani set or curious epistle.
1615 Bp. J. Hall No Peace with Rome i, in Recoll. Treat. 839 Persecuted with most curious torments.
1674 D. Brevint Saul & Samuel 363 Served with the curiousest Music.
9. Of actions, investigations, etc.: Characterized by special care, careful, accurate, minute.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [adjective] > scrupulously careful or attentive to detail > characterized by scrupulous care
curious1526
scrupulous1638
elaborate1649
minutious1779
nail-paring1996
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > exactness, accuracy, precision > [adjective] > characterized by precision
rightOE
curious1526
critical1617
scrupulous1638
primsy1786
focused1892
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. CCCiiii Stones..quadrat or squared, polysshed & dressed after the most curiouse maner.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. G.viiiv He made curious diligence to searche out all the players.
1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 168 It did not sufficiently appear..without a more curious examination.
1667 ‘Rege Sincera’ Observ. Burning of London 15 A more curious and earnest inquiry of the Truth.
1859 B. Disraeli Speech in Times 22 July A subject, which demands the most curious investigation.
1866 Duke of Argyll Reign of Law vii. 373 Many years of curious inquiry, and of laborious contrivance.
†10. Characterized by minute inquiry or treatment:
a. Unduly minute or inquisitive. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > [adjective] > excessively
curiousc1340
overcurious1650
over-prying1655
c1340 R. Rolle Prose Treat. (1866) 3 The name of Ihesu..dos a-waye coryous and vayne ocupacyons fra vs.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Job xxxv. 15 Nether hath he pleasure in curious and depe inquisicions.
1577 T. Vautrollier tr. M. Luther Comm. Epist. to Galathians (new ed.) f. 16 We must abstaine from ye curious searching of Gods maiestie.
1654 T. Fuller 2 Serm. 63 [This question] is curious for man to enquire, and impossible to determine.
1745 E. Young Consolation 92 'Tis not the curious, but the pious Path, That leads me to my Point.
†b. Intricate, abstruse, subtle. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > a profound secret, mystery > puzzle, enigma, riddle > [adjective] > intricate, complex
knottya1225
curiousc1400
labyrinthialc1540
labyrinthian1588
labyrinthicala1631
labyrinthic1632
labyrinthine1775
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) Prol. 2 That curios [read curious] enditing & hard sentence Is ful heuy atones for swich a child to lerne.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 91 The maner of syngyng..was not so curyouse as hyt ys now.
1563 W. Fulke Goodle Gallerye Causes Meteors v. f. 70v A Mathematicall reason..more curius then can be vnderstoode of the commen sort.
1613 J. Salkeld Treat. Angels 335 Amongst other very curious questions which Theodoretus upon Genesis propoundeth, one is this.
1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. Pref. sig. B3 In these narrow Engines [sc. microscopic animals] there is more curious Mathematicks.
†c. Recondite, occult. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > [adjective]
curiousc1384
mystical1516
cabbalisticala1593
occult1593
hermetical1605
cabbalistic1625
hermetica1637
adeptical1662
trismegistic1678
trismegistical1678
trismegistian1694
Sibylline1817
Sibyllica1849
occultist1893
widdershins1926
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xix. 19 Manye of hem that sueden curiouse thingis, brouȝten to gidere bookis, and brennyden hem bifore alle men.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 412 As yonge clerkes that been lykerous To reden Artz that been curious..a book he say Of Magyk naturel.
1611 Bible (King James) Acts xix. 19.
1619 A. Gorges tr. F. Bacon Wisedome Ancients 95 Unlawfull and curious arts of what kind soever.
†11. Minutely accurate, exact, precise. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > exactness, accuracy, precision > [adjective] > strict, rigorous
just1490
nicea1522
point-devicea1529
exact1533
narrow1551
rigorousa1564
point-vice1574
curious1614
rigid?1626
hard1690
strict1749
deadly1909
1614 J. Selden Titles of Honor ii. i. §43 Your curious learning and judgment may correct where I have erred.
1665 R. Hooke Micrographia 2 The Points of the most curious Mathematical Instruments.
a1687 W. Petty Polit. Anat. Ireland (1691) Pref. sig. A5v Curious Dissections cannot be made without variety of proper Instruments.
1765 S. Dunn in Philos. Trans. 1764 (Royal Soc.) 54 115 I set my watch exactly by the clocks; captain Bentincke and captain Holland were present with curious watches.
1825 T. Carlyle Life Schiller (1845) ii. 57 Formed upon a strict and curious standard.
†12. Of materials: Fine, delicate. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > other specific kinds of texture > [adjective] > fine
smalleOE
subtlea1382
subtilea1398
finec1400
tearc1400
delicate?a1425
fine-spuna1555
filmy1604
cypress1605
thin-spun1638
curious1665
filmlike1804
feathery1864
pinpoint1899
1665 R. Hooke Micrographia 4 Even the most curious Powder that can be made use of..must consist of..rough particles.
1665 R. Hooke Micrographia 5 The finest Lawn..so curious that the threads were scarce discernable by the naked eye.
1669 A. Browne Ars Pictoria (1675) 87 Draw the lines of the Eyelids..with a pencil somewhat more curious and sharp then before.
†13. Of or pertaining to the exercise of care, skill, or ingenuity; skilled, skilful. Obsolete. (Cf. A. 4.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > ingenious > relating to exercise of ingenuity
curiousa1687
a1687 W. Petty Polit. Arithm. (1691) i. 33 As Trades and curious Arts increase; so the Trade of Husbandry will decrease.
1689 J. Chetham Angler's Vade Mecum (ed. 2) Pref. It is not Fine, Curious, and Skilful Angling, that destroys the breed of Fish.
1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. i. xi. 192 He decides, like a true lover of all curious cultivation, in favour of the vineyard.
†14. Without explicit reference to workmanship: Exquisite, choice, excellent, fine (in beauty, flavour, or other good quality). Obsolete or dialect. (Cf. modern use of nice.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective]
faireOE
bremea1000
goodlyOE
goodfulc1275
noblec1300
pricec1300
specialc1325
gentlec1330
fine?c1335
singulara1340
thrivena1350
thriven and throa1350
gaya1375
properc1380
before-passinga1382
daintiful1393
principala1398
gradelya1400
burlyc1400
daintyc1400
thrivingc1400
voundec1400
virtuousc1425
hathelc1440
curiousc1475
singlerc1500
beautiful1502
rare?a1534
gallant1539
eximious1547
jolly1548
egregious?c1550
jellyc1560
goodlike1562
brawc1565
of worth1576
brave?1577
surprising1580
finger-licking1584
admirablea1586
excellinga1586
ambrosial1598
sublimated1603
excellent1604
valiant1604
fabulous1609
pure1609
starryc1610
topgallant1613
lovely1614
soaringa1616
twanging1616
preclarent1623
primea1637
prestantious1638
splendid1644
sterling1647
licking1648
spankinga1666
rattling1690
tearing1693
famous1695
capital1713
yrare1737
pure and —1742
daisy1757
immense1762
elegant1764
super-extra1774
trimming1778
grand1781
gallows1789
budgeree1793
crack1793
dandy1794
first rate1799
smick-smack1802
severe1805
neat1806
swell1810
stamming1814
divine1818
great1818
slap-up1823
slapping1825
high-grade1826
supernacular1828
heavenly1831
jam-up1832
slick1833
rip-roaring1834
boss1836
lummy1838
flash1840
slap1840
tall1840
high-graded1841
awful1843
way up1843
exalting1844
hot1845
ripsnorting1846
clipping1848
stupendous1848
stunning1849
raving1850
shrewd1851
jammy1853
slashing1854
rip-staving1856
ripping1858
screaming1859
up to dick1863
nifty1865
premier cru1866
slap-bang1866
clinking1868
marvellous1868
rorty1868
terrific1871
spiffing1872
all wool and a yard wide1882
gorgeous1883
nailing1883
stellar1883
gaudy1884
fizzing1885
réussi1885
ding-dong1887
jim-dandy1888
extra-special1889
yum-yum1890
out of sight1891
outasight1893
smooth1893
corking1895
large1895
super1895
hot dog1896
to die for1898
yummy1899
deevy1900
peachy1900
hi1901
v.g.1901
v.h.c.1901
divvy1903
doozy1903
game ball1905
goodo1905
bosker1906
crackerjack1910
smashinga1911
jake1914
keen1914
posh1914
bobby-dazzling1915
juicy1916
pie on1916
jakeloo1919
snodger1919
whizz-bang1920
wicked1920
four-star1921
wow1921
Rolls-Royce1922
whizz-bang1922
wizard1922
barry1923
nummy1923
ripe1923
shrieking1926
crazy1927
righteous1930
marvy1932
cool1933
plenty1933
brahmaa1935
smoking1934
solid1935
mellow1936
groovy1937
tough1937
bottler1938
fantastic1938
readyc1938
ridge1938
super-duper1938
extraordinaire1940
rumpty1940
sharp1940
dodger1941
grouse1941
perfecto1941
pipperoo1945
real gone1946
bosting1947
supersonic1947
whizzo1948
neato1951
peachy-keen1951
ridgey-dite1953
ridgy-didge1953
top1953
whizzing1953
badass1955
wild1955
belting1956
magic1956
bitching1957
swinging1958
ridiculous1959
a treat1959
fab1961
bad-assed1962
uptight1962
diggish1963
cracker1964
marv1964
radical1964
bakgat1965
unreal1965
pearly1966
together1968
safe1970
bad1971
brilliant1971
fabby1971
schmick1972
butt-kicking1973
ripper1973
Tiffany1973
bodacious1976
rad1976
kif1978
awesome1979
death1979
killer1979
fly1980
shiok1980
stonking1980
brill1981
dope1981
to die1982
mint1982
epic1983
kicking1983
fabbo1984
mega1985
ill1986
posho1989
pukka1991
lovely jubbly1992
awesomesauce2001
nang2002
bess2006
amazeballs2009
boasty2009
daebak2009
beaut2013
c1475 (?c1425) Avowing of King Arthur (1984) l. 819 Maydyns..curtase and curiowse, Forsothe in bed lay.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 17 He gat on hir ane sone callit Fergus, In all this warld wes nane mair curious.
1638 T. Herbert Some Yeares Trav. (rev. ed.) 297 The Orenges..are..of so curious a relish, as affects the eater beyond measure.
1638 T. Herbert Some Yeares Trav. (rev. ed.) 354 Cloath'd with sweet grasse, long and curious.
1665 S. Pepys Diary 24 Sept. (1972) VI. 240 A very calme curious morning.
?1677 S. Primatt City & Covntry Purchaser & Builder 10 Salisbury Plain, and divers other places of champion ground in England, which are very famous for curious air.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World xv. 436 We filled all our Water at a curious Brook close by us.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Vinegar In about thirty or forty Days it will be curious Vinegar.
1742 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 42 148 (In Suffolk) She said..if her Butter was not curious, she eat dry Bread.
1816 J. Pickering Vocab. U.S. Curious..is often heard in New England among the common farmers, in the sense of ‘excellent’, or ‘peculiarly excellent’; as in..‘These are curious apples’; ‘this is curious cider’.
†15. Calling forth feelings of interest; interesting, noteworthy. Obsolete or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > worthy of notice
specialc1405
eminentc1420
markablec1449
noteworthy1552
regardable1572
respectable1584
of —— observation1587
considerable1589
of (great, little, etc.) mark1590
signal1591
remarkable1593
conspicuous1604
noble1604
observative1608
observable1609
significant1642
noteful1644
signalized1652
tall1655
curious1682
notice-worthy1713
unco1724
noticeable1793
handsome1813
epoch-forming1816
measurable1839
epochal1857
epoch-making1863
era-making1894
epoch-marking1895
high profile1950
landmark1959
1682 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Rights Princes (new ed.) iv. 135 The curiousest Remains of former Ages that are extant.
1759 J. Reynolds Idler 29 Sept. 305 It is curious to observe, that [etc].
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §56 [It] would have been not only curious, but useful, had it been handed down to us.
1816 M. Keating Trav. (1817) II. 80 It would be very curious to be able to ascertain where and how the scaffolding was obtained for such a work.
16.
a. Deserving or exciting attention on account of its novelty or peculiarity; exciting curiosity; somewhat surprising, strange, singular, odd; queer. (The ordinary current objective sense.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adjective] > strange > and interesting
curious1715
1715 J. Richardson Ess. Theory of Painting 100 This is very Particular, and Curious.
1719 J. Richardson Sci. Connoisseur 204 What is Rare, and Curious without any Other consideration we Naturally take Pleasure in.
1769 E. Burke Observ. Late State Nation 52 A most curious reason truly!
1807 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. iii, in Poems 115 No curious Shell, rare Plant or brilliant Spar, Intic'd our Traveller.
1868 C. W. Dilke Greater Brit. II. iv. 163 Seated in the piazza..I had before me a curious scene.
1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. III. xc. 251 I give here a few of the more novel or curious provisions of the Constitution of California of 1789.
b. Used as a euphemistic description of erotic or pornographic works.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > moral or spiritual impurity > indecency > [adjective] > pornographic > of literature
curious1877
scatological1924
1877 ‘Pisanus Fraxi’ (title) Index librorum prohibitorum: being notes bio-biblio-icono-graphical and critical, on curious and uncommon books.
1925 A. Huxley Those Barren Leaves i. v. 55 The publications of the Purity League figure invariably under the heading ‘Curious’ in the booksellers’ catalogues.
1934 H. G. Wells Exper. in Autobiogr. II. viii. 529 That redoubtable suppressed Life and Loves of his..which is sought after by collectors of ‘curious’ books.
1947 N. Marsh Final Curtain ix. 143 She's not..the type to pore over literary curiosa unless..they were curious in the specialised sense.
1970 I. Montagu Youngest Son 240 My voracious approach to literature included the pages in the bookseller's catalogue labelled ‘Erotica’ or ‘Curious’, and I have yet to see an atom of evidence that pornography ever did anyone any harm.
c. curiouser and curiouser, more and more curious; increasingly strange.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > abnormal [phrase] > increasingly strange
curiouser and curiouser1865
1865 ‘L. Carroll’ Alice's Adventures in Wonderland ii. 15 ‘Curiouser and curiouser!’ cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).
1931 D. L. Sayers Five Red Herrings xv. 167 ‘I formed the opinion..that Mr. Gowan had..not departed from Kirkcudbright on the Monday evening..but that he had remained concealed in his own house.’.. ‘Curiouser and curiouser,’ said Wimsey.
1939 M. Allingham Mr. Campion & Others i. ix. 203 ‘Perhaps it wasn't empty then?’ ‘In that case it's curiouser and curiouser.’
1970 Guardian 31 Dec. 8/1 The ways of film companies become curiouser and curiouser.
†17. Such as interests the curioso or connoisseur. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > work of art > [adjective] > relating to objet d'art or curio
curious1665
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. v. ix. sig. Ll8 The number of fine things that make up this curious Collection.
1719 J. Richardson Sci. Connoisseur 45 Pictures, Drawings, Prints, Statues, Intaglias, and the like Curious Works of Art.
1731 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. I. at Iris They are generally banish'd from very curious Gardens, and are proper only for large Gardens.
1768 W. Gilpin Ess. Prints 145 In curious collections we meet with a few of Cuyps etchings.
B. adv.
† Curiously. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > [adverb]
curious1594
inquisitively1609
curiously1869
interestedly1886
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adverb] > in a strange manner > and interesting
curious1594
curiously1665
funnily1837
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. I4 This is too curious good, this blunt and ill. View more context for this quotation
1620 F. Quarles 11 Pious Medit. xi, in Feast of Wormes sig. M4v They were not wise enough, and yet too wise, Too curious wise.
1693 W. Congreve Old Batchelour iv. iv. 39 'Tis most curious fine Weather.
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Odyssey in Iliad & Odyssey II. xxi. 460 Within the hall, let none look curious forth.
1834 J. H. Newman Lett. & Corr. (1891) II. 39 Curious enough, Rose writes down to praise it.

Derivatives

† ˈcurious v. Obsolete (intransitive) nonce-word to work curiously or artistically.
ΚΠ
1606 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. (new ed.) ii. iv. 66 A great Cornaline, Where some rare Artist (curiousing vpon't) Hath deeply cut Times triple-formed Front.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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