inquisitive

adjective

in·​quis·​i·​tive in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv How to pronounce inquisitive (audio)
1
: given to examination or investigation
2
: inclined to ask questions
especially : inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others
inquisitively adverb
inquisitiveness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of inquisitive in a Sentence

… 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
an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own
Recent Examples on the Web Be inquisitive and open-minded towards GAI while improving understanding. Neal Dunkinson, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Kendrick feels that these topics should be reserved to students in high school enrolled in AP/Honors courses or seeking inquisitive elective credits to add to their transcript. Charlotte Observer, 8 Feb. 2024 The following six creative strategies aim to nurture intellectual curiosity and ignite an inquisitive flame within leaders who may not perceive themselves as inherently curious or innovative. Curt Steinhorst, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Considered a powerful sign, those born that year are predicted to be innovative thinkers with inquisitive minds. Karl Mondon, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2024 An inquisitive young boy who has a passion for learning about the world around him, Zachary also loves being silly and watching funny animal videos. The Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2024 As the inquisitive Moon in your 11th House of Community supports pleasure planet Venus in your studious 9th house, perhaps your pals are finally ready to hear about an intellectual passion of yours. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2024 Frierson described her son as generous, smart, friendly, inquisitive and helpful. Rudy Chinchilla, NBC News, 4 Jan. 2024 Johnson, known for her engaging and substantive political discussions, brings her own unique perspective and inquisitive style to the table. Charlotte Observer, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inquisitive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see inquisition

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inquisitive was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inquisitive

Cite this Entry

“Inquisitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquisitive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inquisitive

adjective
in·​quis·​i·​tive in-ˈkwiz-ət-iv How to pronounce inquisitive (audio)
1
: tending to inquire or investigate
2
: asking many questions
especially : too curious about other people's affairs
inquisitively adverb
inquisitiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inquisitive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!