What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curious
Example
I'm curious about how this machine works. [curious: adjective]
Example
She has a curious mind and loves to ask questions. [curious: adjective]
nosy
Example
Stop being so nosy and mind your own business. [nosy: adjective]
Example
She's always poking her nose into other people's affairs. [poking: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Curious is a more common word than nosy and is often used in everyday language to describe a person's interest in learning or exploring new things. Nosy is less common and is usually used to describe someone who is prying into other people's affairs without permission.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curious and nosy?
Curious is a more formal word than nosy and is often used in academic or professional settings to describe a person's desire to learn or understand. Nosy is informal and is usually used in casual conversations to describe someone who is being intrusive or impolite.
