inquisitive

[in-kwiz-i-tiv] /ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tɪv/
adjective
1.
given to inquiry, research, or asking questions; eager for knowledge; intellectually curious:
an inquisitive mind.
2.
unduly or inappropriately curious; prying.
noun
3.
an inquisitive person:
thick curtains to frustrate inquisitives.
Origin
1350-1400; < Late Latin inquīsītīvus, equivalent to Latin inquīsīt(us) (see inquisition) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English inquisitif < Middle French < Late Latin, as above
Related forms
inquisitively, adverb
inquisitiveness, noun
superinquisitive, adjective
superinquisitively, adverb
superinquisitiveness, noun
uninquisitive, adjective
uninquisitively, adverb
uninquisitiveness, noun
Synonyms
2. See curious.
Antonyms
1, 2. uninterested.
Examples from the web for inquisitive
  • The cloned animals exhibit the full spectrum of behavioral traits, from curious and inquisitive to timid and shy.
British Dictionary definitions for inquisitive

inquisitive

/ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv/
adjective
1.
excessively curious, esp about the affairs of others; prying
2.
eager to learn; inquiring
Derived Forms
inquisitively, adverb
inquisitiveness, noun
Word Origin and History for inquisitive
adj.

late 14c., from Old French inquisitif, from Late Latin inquisitivus "making inquiry," from Latin inquisit-, past participle stem of inquirere (see inquire).

An housbonde shal nat been Inquisityf of goddes pryuetee nor of his wyf. [Chaucer, "Miller's Prologue"]
Related: Inquisitively; inquisitiveness.