inquisitive

adjective

in·​quis·​i·​tive in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv 

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

Synonyms

• curious

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

Her question, in Lipe-Smith’s inquisitive piccolo of a voice, is heartbreaking in its blend of straightforwardness and desperate desire, as is her mother’s wavering response. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025

For inquisitive minds stashed in MLB front offices the Rockies represent an untapped opportunity and a riveting research project. —Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

Marlo Loria, Director of Career and Technical Education and Innovative Partnerships at Mesa Public Schools in Arizona, previously told Fortune that her school district is full of inquisitive Gen Zers who are questioning traditional ways of doing things. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025

The names on the signs differ, and the buildings themselves vary, but just about everything of substance along the old main drag is eerily similar, forcing the inquisitive onlooker to wonder how market forces could allow for such a homogenous commercial landscape. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see inquisition

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inquisitive

• acquisitive

Kids Definition

inquisitive

adjective

in·​quis·​i·​tive in-ˈkwiz-ət-iv 

1

: tending to inquire or investigate

2

: asking many questions

especially : too curious about other people's affairs

inquisitively adverb

inquisitiveness noun