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

Other Household Terms

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

Rhymes with CURIOSITY

animosity, generosity, grandiosity, luminosity, virtuosity