What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nosy
Example
My neighbor is so nosy, always asking me personal questions. [nosy: adjective]
Example
She was being nosy and eavesdropping on our conversation. [nosy: gerund or present participle]
curious
Example
I'm curious about the history of this city, so I'm going to visit the museum. [curious: adjective]
Example
She was curious about the strange noise coming from the basement. [curious: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Curious is more commonly used than nosy in everyday language. Curious is a positive trait that is often encouraged, while nosy is a negative trait that is often discouraged.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nosy and curious?
Both nosy and curious can be used in formal and informal contexts, but curious is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
