What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inquisitive
Example
The little girl was very inquisitive, always asking her parents about the world around her. [inquisitive: adjective]
Example
The journalist was known for his inquisitive nature, always digging deeper to uncover the truth. [inquisitive: adjective]
curious
Example
I'm curious to know more about your culture. [curious: adjective]
Example
The student was curious about the history of the ancient civilization. [curious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Curious is more commonly used than inquisitive in everyday language. Curious is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while inquisitive is more formal and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inquisitive and curious?
Inquisitive is more formal than curious. It is often used in academic or professional settings to describe a person's research or investigative skills. Curious, on the other hand, is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.