curiously
UK: ˈkjʊə.ri.əs.li | US: ˈkjʊr.i.əs.li
adv. in a way that shows eagerness to learn or know something
adv. in an unusual or surprising manner
The word "curiously" stems from the Latin cura (meaning "care" or "concern"), which evolved into the Old French curios. The root curi reflects the idea of attentive inquiry, while -ous forms adjectives indicating possession of a quality (e.g., "curious" = "having curiosity"). The suffix -ly converts adjectives into adverbs, giving "curiously" its modern sense of "in a curious manner." Over time, the word expanded from literal care (e.g., "careful") to intellectual curiosity and then to peculiarity—a shift mirroring human fascination with the unusual.
She peered curiously at the ancient manuscript.
The cat tilted its head curiously when it heard the strange noise.
Curiously, the experiment yielded opposite results under identical conditions.
He spoke curiously about his travels, avoiding direct answers.
The door opened curiously on its own, startling everyone.