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inquisitive

in·quis·i·tive
I i

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [in-kwiz-i-tiv]
    • /ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tɪv/
    • /ɪnˈkwɪz.ɪ.tɪv/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [in-kwiz-i-tiv]
    • /ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tɪv/

Definitions of inquisitive word

  • adjective inquisitive given to inquiry, research, or asking questions; eager for knowledge; intellectually curious: an inquisitive mind. 1
  • adjective inquisitive unduly or inappropriately curious; prying. 1
  • noun inquisitive an inquisitive person: thick curtains to frustrate inquisitives. 1
  • noun inquisitive Curious or inquiring. 1
  • adjective inquisitive person: curious 1
  • adjective inquisitive speech, action: questioning 1

Information block about the term

Origin of inquisitive

First appearance:

before 1350
One of the 20% oldest English words
1350-1400; < Late Latin inquīsītīvus, equivalent to Latin inquīsīt(us) (see inquisition) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English inquisitif < Middle French < Late Latin, as above

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Inquisitive

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

inquisitive popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 68% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

inquisitive usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for inquisitive

adj inquisitive

  • analytical — An analytical way of doing something involves the use of logical reasoning.
  • nosy — unduly curious about the affairs of others; prying; meddlesome.
  • forward — toward or at a place, point, or time in advance; onward; ahead: to move forward; from this day forward; to look forward.
  • impertinent — intrusive or presumptuous, as persons or their actions; insolently rude; uncivil: a brash, impertinent youth.
  • inquiring — seeking facts, information, or knowledge: an inquiring mind.

adjective inquisitive

  • curious — eager to learn; inquisitive
  • keen — finely sharpened, as an edge; so shaped as to cut or pierce substances readily: a keen razor.
  • prurient — having, inclined to have, or characterized by lascivious or lustful thoughts, desires, etc.
  • officious — objectionably aggressive in offering one's unrequested and unwanted services, help, or advice; meddlesome: an officious person.
  • interfering — to come into opposition, as one thing with another, especially with the effect of hampering action or procedure (often followed by with): Constant distractions interfere with work.

Antonyms for inquisitive

adj inquisitive

  • indifferent — without interest or concern; not caring; apathetic: his indifferent attitude toward the suffering of others.
  • unconcerned — not involved or interested; disinterested.
  • uninterested — having or showing no feeling of interest; indifferent.
  • incurious — not curious; not inquisitive or observant; inattentive; indifferent.

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See also

Matching words

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