An inquisitive person likes finding out about things, especially secret things.
Barrow had an inquisitive nature.
Bears are very inquisitive and must be kept mentally stimulated.
Synonyms: curious, questioning, inquiring, peering More Synonyms of inquisitive
inquisitivelyadverb [ADVERB after verb]
Molly looked at Ann inquisitively. 'Where do you want to go?'
inquisitivenessuncountable noun
I liked children, loved their innocence and their inquisitiveness.
inquisitive in British English
(ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv)
adjective
1.
excessively curious, esp about the affairs of others; prying
2.
eager to learn; inquiring
Derived forms
inquisitively (inˈquisitively)
adverb
inquisitiveness (inˈquisitiveness)
noun
inquisitive in American English
(ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv)
adjective
1.
inclined to ask many questions or seek information; eager to learn
2.
asking more questions than is necessary or proper; prying
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈcurious
Derived forms
inquisitively (inˈquisitively)
adverb
inquisitiveness (inˈquisitiveness)
noun
Word origin
ME enquesitif < OFr inquisitif < LL inquisitivus < L inquisitus, pp. of inquirere: see inquire
Examples of 'inquisitive' in a sentence
inquisitive
My family remember me as a curious and inquisitive youngster, my overactive imagination often running away with me.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
An inquisitive mind, the ability to listen and consider the ideas and experiences of your team and an aptitude to go without sleep.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
What made him special was his inquisitive mind.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Because of the kind of inquisitive person you are now?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They are very friendly and inquisitive bunnies who enjoy a head tickle.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Usually your quick mind and inquisitive nature are assets.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
His knowledge and love of music were complemented by a naturally inquisitive nature and the technical excellence of his writing.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Designers and engineers have inquisitive minds.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We decided to head into the nearby pine forest, away from the potentially inquisitive eyes of our group.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
To do this all you will need are an inquisitive and open mind, a notebook and a pen.
Pete Cohen and Sten Cummins with Jennai Cox HABIT BUSTING: A 10-step plan that will change your life (2002)
You need a technically inquisitive mind and a high degree of self-confidence to work in bomb disposal and landmine clearance.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
We think we suit those with inquisitive minds who want to give independent advice and work in a smaller, entrepreneurial environment.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Being inquisitive by nature, you usually regard challenging situations or disruptions to plans as an opportunity to learn something and meet interesting people.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He has an inquisitive mind and I knew he would enjoy the challenge.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You're inquisitive by nature, so asking questions is like breathing.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
He's really chilled out, friendly and inquisitive.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He's put on a pound a day and he's become incredibly friendly and inquisitive.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Is there a livelier, more inquisitive mind to be found in the Western world?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Being inquisitive by nature, you don't think of yourself as rigid in your thinking or habits.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Being inquisitive by nature, you'd expect to be open to new ideas involving various habits and activities.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Being a Virgo and inquisitive by nature, you enjoy hearing about recent innovations and what others are doing.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Allow that naturally inquisitive side of your nature free rein, and you'll soon forget why arrangements that are now coming to a close seemed so important.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In other languages
inquisitive
British English: inquisitive /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv/ ADJECTIVE
An inquisitive person likes finding out about things, especially secret things.
He had an inquisitive nature.
American English: inquisitive
Arabic: فُضُولِيٌّ
Brazilian Portuguese: curioso
Chinese: 好奇的
Croatian: znatiželjan
Czech: zvědavý
Danish: nysgerrig
Dutch: nieuwsgierig
European Spanish: inquisitivo
Finnish: utelias
French: curieux
German: wissbegierig
Greek: αδιάκριτος
Italian: curioso
Japanese: 詮索好きな
Korean: 캐묻기 좋아하는
Norwegian: vitebegjærlig
Polish: wścibski
European Portuguese: curioso
Romanian: băgăreț
Russian: пытливый
Latin American Spanish: inquisitivo
Swedish: frågvis
Thai: ที่อยากรู้อยากเห็น
Turkish: meraklı
Ukrainian: допитливий
Vietnamese: tò mò
(adjective)
Definition
excessively curious about other people's business
Bears are very inquisitive and must be kept constantly stimulated.
Synonyms
curious
He was intensely curious about the world around him.
questioning
inquiring
This helps children develop an inquiring attitude to learning.
peering
probing
intrusive
She faced intrusive questions about her past.
prying
a nasty, prying busybody
snooping (informal)
scrutinizing
snoopy (informal)
nosy (informal)
nosy-parkering (informal)
Opposites
indifferent
,
unconcerned
,
uninterested
,
apathetic
,
unquestioning
,
incurious
Additional synonyms
in the sense of inquiring
This helps children develop an inquiring attitude to learning.