inquisitive

[ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv]

inquisitive Definition

• 1. curious or inquiring
• 2. prying or intrusive

Using inquisitive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "inquisitive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The child had an inquisitive mind and always asked questions.

• Example

  She was very inquisitive about my personal life.

• Example

  The journalist's inquisitive nature led her to uncover the truth.

• Example

  I don't appreciate your inquisitive behavior.

inquisitive Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for inquisitive

• curious
• inquiring
• probing
• nosy
• meddlesome

Antonyms for inquisitive

• uninterested
• indifferent
• apathetic

Idioms Using inquisitive

• curiosity killed the cat

  being too curious can lead to trouble

  Example

  I wouldn't ask too many questions if I were you. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.

• ask no questions and hear no lies

  if you don't ask questions, you won't be told lies

  Example

  I don't want to know the details. Ask no questions and hear no lies.

• mind your own business

  don't interfere in other people's affairs

  Example

  I wish he would just mind his own business and stop asking me so many questions.

Phrases with inquisitive

• inquisitive glance

  a quick look that shows curiosity or interest

  Example

  He cast an inquisitive glance at the strange object on the table.

• inquisitive mind

  a curious and questioning nature

  Example

  Her inquisitive mind led her to explore new ideas and concepts.

• inquisitive nature

  a tendency to be curious and ask questions

  Example

  His inquisitive nature often got him into trouble with his teachers.

Origins of inquisitive

from Latin 'inquirere', meaning 'to inquire'

📌

Summary: inquisitive in Brief

'Inquisitive' [ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv] describes someone who is curious and asks questions, but can also imply prying or intrusiveness. It can be used to describe a person's nature, as in 'Her inquisitive mind led her to explore new ideas and concepts,' or their behavior, as in 'I don't appreciate your inquisitive behavior.' The idiom 'curiosity killed the cat' warns against being too curious, while 'mind your own business' advises not to interfere in other people's affairs.