curiosity

cu·ri·os·i·ty

noun \ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē\

plural cu·ri·os·i·ties

Definition of CURIOSITY

1

: desire to know: a : inquisitive interest in others' concerns : nosiness b : interest leading to inquiry <intellectual curiosity>

2

archaic : undue nicety or fastidiousness

3

a : one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics b : an unusual knickknack : curio c : a curious trait or aspect

Examples of CURIOSITY

1. Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
2. The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted the curiosity of their neighbors.
3. The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination.
4. Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe.
5. The antique shop was full of curiosities.

First Known Use of CURIOSITY

14th century

Related to CURIOSITY

Synonyms: curiousness, inquisitiveness, nosiness

Antonyms: incuriosity, incuriousness

Related Words: attentiveness, concern, interest, regard, wonderment; inquiry, interrogation, prying, questioning; interference, intrusiveness, meddlesomeness, obtrusiveness, officiousness; eavesdropping, rubbernecking

Near Antonyms: apathy, disinterestedness, disregard, indifference, unconcern

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Household Terms

cruet, duvet, fiasco, sham, taper, valance, whatnot

Rhymes with CURIOSITY

animosity, generosity, grandiosity, luminosity, virtuosity