WordGarden.iocurious
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kjˈʊrɪəs/
US
- /ˈkjʊriəs/
Meanings
Adjective
eager to know or learn about something
strange, unusual, or worth noticing
Beyond the definition
To be curious is to have a strong desire to learn something new. Think of a little kitten batting at a dangling string—that's curiosity in action! It's more than just asking "why?"—it's about wanting to understand how things work, what people think, or what might happen next. A curious person isn't afraid to ask questions and explore the world around them. You might describe a scientist as curious, always experimenting and seeking answers. Or perhaps a child is endlessly curious about their surroundings, constantly asking "What's that?"
Sometimes, "curious" can also mean strange or suspicious, like a "curious incident"—something odd that makes you wonder what's going on. But most often, it describes a positive trait: an open mind and a thirst for knowledge.
If someone is curious, they have a strong desire to know or learn something. It's the engine that drives exploration, invention, and understanding. Think of a detective meticulously examining clues—they're driven by curiosity to solve the mystery. Or imagine an astronomer gazing at distant stars, curious about the origins of the universe.
The word comes from the Latin cura, meaning "care" or "concern," suggesting that being curious means you care enough to investigate and learn. A truly curious person doesn't just accept things as they are; they ask "why?" and "how?" They might be described as inquisitive, nosy (though sometimes with a negative connotation!), or simply interested in everything around them.
You can be curious ("She is a very curious child"), but you can also describe something as curious—meaning strange or unusual. "It was a curious coincidence that they both wore the same outfit." This second usage implies something unexpected and perhaps slightly unsettling.
However, at its heart, curiosity is a positive force. It's what motivates us to learn, grow, and discover new things about ourselves and the world around us. Without it, we might never have invented the wheel, written a novel, or even wondered why the sky is blue. So embrace your inner curiosity—it's a wonderful thing!
Examples
- 1
Interest
Lena was curious about the new app everyone was talking about.
- 2
Expectation
I'm curious to see whether the film is as good as the book.
- 3
Problem solving
The teacher was curious how the students had solved the problem.
- 4
Uncertain outcome
We're all curious if the weather will hold until the end of the game.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Casual question
"Just curious, why did you choose this neighborhood?"
- Usagejust curious
used before a question to sound casual
- 6
Strange situation
It seemed curious that the lights were on, but nobody answered the door.
- 7
Unusual smell
There was a curious smell in the hallway after the repair work.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- curious meaning strange
Used with (collocations)
- curious about
- curious to know
- naturally curious
- morbidly curious
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- curiousadjective