Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
adjective
- given to inquiry, research, or asking questions; eager for knowledge; intellectually curious: an inquisitive mind.
- unduly or inappropriately curious; prying.
noun
- an inquisitive person: thick curtains to frustrate inquisitives.
adjective
- excessively curious, esp about the affairs of others; prying
- eager to learn; inquiring
late 14c., from Old French inquisitif, from Late Latin inquisitivus “making inquiry,” from Latin inquisit-, past participle stem of inquirere (see inquire).
An housbonde shal nat been Inquisityf of goddes pryuetee nor of his wyf. [Chaucer, “Miller’s Prologue”]
Related: Inquisitively; inquisitiveness.