First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
inquisitive
adjective in·quis·i·tive \in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv\
: tending to ask questions : having a desire to know or learn more
: asking too many questions about other people's lives
Full Definition of INQUISITIVE
1
: given to examination or investigation
2
: inclined to ask questions; especially : inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others
— in·quis·i·tive·ly adverb
— in·quis·i·tive·ness noun
See inquisitive defined for English-language learners
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Examples of INQUISITIVE
- … but now, with the wanderings of the fleets and their inquisitive occupants producing words from all over, the English vocabulary was enhanced not merely by the usual suspects but by words from India and Turkey, Arabia and Malaya, Japan and the native peoples of North America … —Simon Winchester, The Meaning of Everything, 2003
- It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call “otherness,” to lend our lives significance. —David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997
- Inquisitive eyes reveal the dingo's true nature—it's a hunter, from its cocked ears and powerful jaws to the white tip of its tail. —Mitch Reardon, Australian Geographic, July–September 1992
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Origin of INQUISITIVE
(see inquisition)
Synonym Discussion of INQUISITIVE
curious, inquisitive, prying mean interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern. curious, a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know <children are curious about everything>. inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing <dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives>. prying implies busy meddling and officiousness <prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business>.
INQUISITIVELY Defined for Kids
inquisitive
adjective in·quis·i·tive \in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv\
Definition of INQUISITIVE for Kids
1
: in search of information <… there will be crowds of scientists and other inquisitive people … — Oliver Butterworth, The Enormous Egg>
2
: overly curious
— in·quis·i·tive·ly adverb
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