inquisitive

play

adjective in·quis·i·tive \ in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv \

Definition of inquisitive

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

See inquisitive defined for English-language learners

See inquisitive defined for kids

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 of inquisitive from the Web

Naturally inquisitive and unapologetic about it, Washington State coach Mike Leach has never been shy about expressing his opinion on any topic he’s quizzed on.

— stefanie loh, The Seattle Times, "WSU’s Mike Leach on North Korea, Donald Trump, freedom of speech and the Bible," 17 Aug. 2017
Known for his ceaselessly inquisitive mind, during more than 30 years in military service Dr. Compton studied internal medicine, pathology, gastroenterology and psychosomatic medicine.

— john scheinman, Laurel Leader, "J. Richard 'Dick' Compton, military physician 'adopted' by Laurel," 15 Aug. 2017
Franklin was inquisitive, articulate and interested in mastering the universe.

— carla j. mulford, Smithsonian, "Benjamin Franklin Mocked Eclipse Astrology to Elevate Science," 10 Aug. 2017
William is a wonderful young child who is friendly, curious and inquisitive.

— boys & girls aid / community content partner, OregonLive.com, "A home of his own: William, age 12, is easygoing and has a fantastic smile!," 4 Aug. 2017
On Saturday evening, Patches, a 13-year-old American lineback ox, was released from his pen during the Orange County Fair to stroll among throngs of inquisitive people.

— bradley zint, Daily Pilot, "Patches the ox makes a big appearance for the small screen at the O.C. Fair," 24 July 2017
Ratajkowski is a curious, inquisitive person, the kind of person who engages with the world, with art, with new friends.

— daniel jackson, Allure, "Emily Ratajkowski on Being Comfortable With Her Sexuality," 18 July 2017
Jerry and Mark are thoughtful, inquisitive and gregarious – easy company on difficult climbs.

— woody connette, charlotteobserver, "50 states, 49 years and 308,486+ feet: This Charlotte man has been to the top of every state. Here’s what he learned.," 14 July 2017
This is anal 101, for teens, beginners, and all inquisitive folk.

— gigi engle, Teen Vogue, "Anal Sex: What You Need to Know," 7 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inquisitive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of inquisitive

see inquisition

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

inquisitive Synonyms

Synonyms

curious, nosy (or nosey), prying, snoopy

Antonyms

incurious, uncurious

Related Words

interfering, intrusive, meddlesome, meddling, obtrusive, officious; inquisitional, inquisitorial, interrogative, questioning, quizzical; concerned, interested

Near Antonyms

apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, unconcerned, uninterested

Synonym Discussion of 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.