inquisitive
UK: ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv | US: ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv
adj. eager for knowledge; curious
adj. prying or overly curious in an intrusive way
inquisitive = in<into> + quisit<seek> + ive<adjective suffix>
- in (prefix): From Latin in-, meaning "into" or "toward."
- quisit (root): From Latin quaesitus, past participle of quaerere, meaning "to seek" or "to ask."
- ive (suffix): From Latin -ivus, forming adjectives meaning "tending to" or "having the nature of."
Etymology Origin:
The word inquisitive traces back to Latin inquisitivus, derived from inquirere (to inquire). The root quaerere (to seek) is also the source of words like question, query, and acquire. Over time, inquisitive evolved in Middle English to describe someone who actively seeks knowledge, sometimes with a connotation of excessive curiosity. The logical progression reflects a shift from literal seeking (quaerere) to a mental trait (-ive).
The inquisitive child asked endless questions about the stars.
Journalists must be inquisitive to uncover the truth.
Her inquisitive nature led her to study philosophy.
He gave her an inquisitive glance, wondering what she was hiding.
The detective’s inquisitive mind solved the mystery quickly.