inquisitive
adjective
in·quis·i·tive
in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv 
1
: given to examination or investigation
2
: inclined to ask questions
especially
: inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others
inquisitively
adverb
inquisitiveness
noun
Examples of inquisitive in a Sentence
… but now, with the wanderings of the fleets and their inquisitive occupants producing words from all over, the English vocabulary was enhanced not merely by the usual suspects but by words from India and Turkey, Arabia and Malaya, Japan and the native peoples of North America …
—
Simon Winchester, The Meaning of Everything, 2003
It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.
—David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997
Inquisitive eyes reveal the dingo's true nature—it's a hunter, from its cocked ears and powerful jaws to the white tip of its tail.
—Mitch Reardon, Australian Geographic, July–September 1992
an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own
Simon Winchester, The Meaning of Everything, 2003
It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.
—David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997
Inquisitive eyes reveal the dingo's true nature—it's a hunter, from its cocked ears and powerful jaws to the white tip of its tail.
—Mitch Reardon, Australian Geographic, July–September 1992
an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own
Recent Examples on the Web
These black panels completely cover all of the SUV's windows from the inside, blocking sunlight and the prying eyes of inquisitive fellow campers.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 10 Dec. 2024
Timothée Chalamet slouches through the movie with inquisitive, appraising eyes.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Dec. 2024
The Australian version saw Australian leader Albanese and Jurassic World Dominion star Neill both grilled by a group of inquisitive young journalists.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2024
Then, Hersh’s father Jon Polin took the podium, sketching out a portrait of his son as a wise, inquisitive, kind and gentle soul who was a top-tier conversationalist and an engine of justice in the family and beyond.
—Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2024
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Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 10 Dec. 2024
Timothée Chalamet slouches through the movie with inquisitive, appraising eyes.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Dec. 2024
The Australian version saw Australian leader Albanese and Jurassic World Dominion star Neill both grilled by a group of inquisitive young journalists.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2024
Then, Hersh’s father Jon Polin took the podium, sketching out a portrait of his son as a wise, inquisitive, kind and gentle soul who was a top-tier conversationalist and an engine of justice in the family and beyond.
—Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inquisitive
Dictionary Entries Near inquisitive
Cite this Entry
“Inquisitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquisitive. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inquisitive
adjective
in·quis·i·tive
in-ˈkwiz-ət-iv
1
: tending to inquire or investigate
2
: asking many questions
especially
: too curious about other people's affairs
inquisitively
adverb
inquisitiveness
noun
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