WordGarden.iocuriosity
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kjˌʊrɪˈɒsɪti/
US
- /ˌkjʊriˈɑsəti/
Meanings
Noun
a desire to know, learn, or find out about something
a strange or interesting thing that attracts attention
Beyond the definition
Curiosity isn't just about being nosy; it's that delightful itch in your brain that makes you want to understand how things work, why people behave the way they do, or what's around the next corner. Think of a kitten batting at a dangling string—that's pure curiosity! It's what drives scientists to make discoveries and children to ask endless "why?" questions. A curious person isn't afraid to explore new ideas or challenge assumptions. Sometimes, though, curiosity can get you into trouble—just like the old saying about the cat!
Curiosity is a strong desire to know or learn something. It's more than just simple interest; it's an active seeking of knowledge and understanding. Think of Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole—her curiosity led her on a fantastical adventure. Or consider Sherlock Holmes, whose relentless curiosity allowed him to solve even the most baffling mysteries.
The word comes from the Latin curiosus, meaning "careful" and "inquisitive," which hints at the thoughtful nature of true curiosity. It's often seen as a positive trait, linked to intelligence, creativity, and a thirst for learning. A curious mind is rarely bored! However, curiosity isn't always harmless. The phrase "curiosity killed the cat" warns us that investigating something dangerous or private can have negative consequences. It suggests there are times when it's best not to know.
Beyond the personality trait, the word also refers to a rare or unusual object that attracts interest—like an antique "curiosity" found in a museum. You might describe someone as "filled with curiosity," or say a particular event "piqued her curiosity," meaning it sparked her interest. Ultimately, curiosity is the engine that drives exploration, innovation, and our understanding of the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Nature
Her curiosity about the natural world started when she began collecting leaves and insects.
- 2
Mystery
The strange noise in the hallway sparked everyone's curiosity.
- Patternspark someone's curiosity
make them want to know more
- 3
Casual question
I asked where he got the recipe out of curiosity.
- Phraseout of curiosity
because you want to know, not for an important reason
- 4
Education
Good teachers encourage curiosity instead of giving students every answer immediately.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Finding answers
The article satisfied my curiosity about why the town had so many empty houses.
- Patternsatisfy someone's curiosity
give them the information they wanted
- 6
Intentions
His questions came from genuine curiosity, not from a wish to embarrass anyone.
- 7
Self-control
Curiosity got the better of me, so I read the comments even though I knew they would annoy me.
- Phrasecuriosity got the better of me
I was too interested to resist
- 8
Dark interest
Some viewers followed the story out of morbid curiosity rather than sympathy.
- Phrasemorbid curiosity
interest in something shocking, dark, or upsetting
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- fascination
- wonder
- nosiness
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- natural curiosity
- intellectual curiosity
- spark curiosity
- out of curiosity
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- curiositynoun
Forms
- curiositiespluralnoun