inquisitive
C1Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
Eager for knowledge; tending to ask many questions.
Unduly curious about the affairs of others; prying. In a positive sense, it describes a keen, investigative mind; in a negative sense, it can imply nosiness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adjective. The noun 'inquisitiveness' is the state or quality. The positive connotation is more common in intellectual/educational contexts; the negative connotation often applies to personal matters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical across dialects.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be inquisitive about somethingbecome inquisitivekeep inquisitiveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have an inquiring mind”
- “be all ears”
- “stick one's nose into something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often negative: 'The board was wary of his inquisitive nature regarding confidential merger talks.'
Academic
Positive: 'A successful researcher must be naturally inquisitive and persistent.'
Everyday
Can be positive or negative: 'My inquisitive toddler asks 'why' all day long.' / 'Our inquisitive neighbour always comments on our deliveries.'
Technical
Used in psychology/education to describe a learning trait.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The children were very inquisitive during the museum tour.
- She gave him an inquisitive look, wondering where he'd been.
American English
- His inquisitive nature led him to major in journalism.
- Try not to be too inquisitive about their personal finances.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby is inquisitive and looks at everything.
- My dog is very inquisitive and always sniffs new objects.
- She avoided her inquisitive aunt's questions.
- A good journalist must be both sceptical and inquisitive.
- His inquisitive behaviour finally uncovered the truth.
- The committee's increasingly inquisitive line of questioning made the witness uncomfortable.
- Her inquisitive intellect was not satisfied with simplistic explanations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'inquire' (to ask) + '-ive' (tending to). Someone who is IN-QUISIT-IVE is INto asking QUESTIONS.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A SUBSTANCE TO BE ACQUIRED (hence 'thirst for knowledge'); QUESTIONING IS PROBING/EXCAVATING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'инквизиция' (the Inquisition). The Russian cognate 'инквизитивный' is extremely rare; use 'любознательный' (positive) or 'любопытный' (can be neutral or negative).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'inquisitive' as a noun (e.g., 'He is an inquisitive' - incorrect). Confusing it with 'inquisitorial' (relating to harsh, official questioning).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'inquisitive' most likely to be negative?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is context-dependent. It is positive when describing a desire to learn (an inquisitive student) and negative when describing unwelcome intrusion (an inquisitive neighbour).
'Inquisitive' often implies a more active, questioning pursuit of knowledge, sometimes to the point of prying. 'Curious' is broader, covering a general desire to know.
No. The related verbs are 'inquire' (AmE/BrE) and 'enquire' (BrE).
The noun is 'inquisitiveness' (e.g., 'Her inquisitiveness was legendary').