curious
UK: ˈkjʊə.ri.əs | US: ˈkjʊr.i.əs
adj. eager to know or learn something
adj. unusual or surprising in a way that provokes interest
curious = cur<care> + ious<adjective suffix>
- cur (from Latin cura meaning "care, concern")
- Reflects the idea of attention or interest.
- ious (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating "full of" or "having the quality of")
- Conveys a state or characteristic (e.g., "delicious" = full of delight).
Etymology Origin:
The word curious traces back to Latin curiosus ("careful, diligent, inquisitive"), derived from cura ("care"). Over time, the meaning shifted from "careful" to "eager to learn," reflecting a metaphorical extension of "care" as intellectual attention. The suffix -ious solidified its adjectival form, emphasizing a trait of inquisitiveness.
The child was curious about how stars formed.
She gave him a curious glance when he mentioned the secret.
A curious noise from the attic made them pause.
His curious nature led him to study ancient languages.
The museum displayed a collection of curious artifacts.