Meaning & use
inquisitive
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivecomparableapproving
Eager to learn things and asking many questions.
Grammar: Used before a noun or after a verb: an inquisitive child; she is inquisitive.
Patterns
- inquisitive about something
The inquisitive toddler opened every cupboard.
She has an inquisitive mind and loves science.
He was inquisitive about how the machine worked.
adjectivecomparabledisapproving
Too interested in other people's private affairs.
Grammar: Often critical in tone: an inquisitive neighbor.
Our inquisitive neighbor kept asking where we were going.
Word forms
| comparative | more inquisitive |
|---|---|
| superlative | most inquisitive |
Common combinations
- inquisitive mind
- A good scientist has an inquisitive mind.
- inquisitive look
- The dog gave me an inquisitive look.
- inquisitive child
- The inquisitive child asked why the sky is blue.
- naturally inquisitive
- Kittens are naturally inquisitive.
Synonyms and how they differ
- curious
- Curious is the usual everyday word and is mostly positive.
- nosy
- Nosy is informal and always critical, meaning too interested in private matters.
- probing
- Probing describes questions that dig deep, not a general personality trait.
Opposites
Word family
- inquisitively adverb
- in a curious way
- inquisitiveness noun
- the quality of being curious
- inquire verb
- to ask
Practice
The ___ student stayed after class to ask how the experiment worked.
Choose one answer.
Inquisitive means eager to learn and ask questions. The other adjectives imply lack of interest or care.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inquisitive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.