First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
curious
adjective cu·ri·ous \ˈkyu̇r-ē-əs\
: having a desire to learn or know more about something or someone
: strange, unusual, or unexpected
Full Definition of CURIOUS
1
2
a : marked by desire to investigate and learn b : marked by inquisitive interest in others' concerns : nosy
3
: exciting attention as strange, novel, or unexpected : odd <a curious coincidence>
— cu·ri·ous·ness noun
See curious defined for English-language learners
See curious defined for kids
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Origin of CURIOUS
Middle English, from Anglo-French curios, from Latin curiosus careful, inquisitive, from cura cure
Synonym Discussion of CURIOUS
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>.
CURIOUS Defined for Kids
curious
adjective cu·ri·ous \ˈkyu̇r-ē-əs\
Definition of CURIOUS for Kids
1
: eager to learn : inquisitive <Curious onlookers gathered at the scene.>
2
: showing an eagerness to learn <a curious expression>
3
: attracting attention by being strange or unusual : odd <“… I'm a … collector … and I like to look at curious specimens.” — Oliver Butterworth, The Enormous Egg>
— cu·ri·ous·ly adverb
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