Curiosity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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curiosity
[หkjสษrษชหษsษชti ]
Definition
noun
A strong desire to know or learn something.
Synonyms
desire to know, inquisitive nature, inquisitiveness, inquisitiveness, interest.
Examples of usage
- Her natural curiosity led her to ask many questions.
- Children often have a curiosity about the world around them.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that curiosity enhances learning and memory by making the brain more receptive to new information.
- Feeling curious can activate the brain's reward system, similar to being rewarded for a task.
- Curiosity helps individuals cope with stressful situations by encouraging exploration and problem-solving.
Science
- Curiosity is crucial for scientific discovery. Many breakthroughs come from asking questions and exploring the unknown.
- In nature, curious animals tend to gather more resources and adapt better to changing environments.
- Research indicates that curiosity can lead to increased creativity and innovation in various fields.
Literature
- Curiosity drives the plot in many classic stories, pushing characters to explore and uncover mysteries.
- In Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', Alice's curiosity leads her into a fantastical world filled with strange characters.
- The concept appears frequently in folklore, symbolizing enlightenment and the pursuit of knowledge.
Cultural Perspectives
- Many cultures celebrate curiosity as a virtue, encouraging children to ask questions and engage with the world.
- In some Eastern philosophies, curiosity is viewed as a means to achieve greater wisdom and understanding of life.
- Conversely, certain cultures may restrict curiosity, prioritizing tradition and caution over exploration.
Origin of 'curiosity'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'curiositas', meaning 'desire to know'.
- It was first recorded in English in the late 14th century, originally related to a sense of care or concern.
- Over time, its meaning shifted towards a focus on knowledge and inquiry.
The word 'curiosity' originated from the Latin word 'curiositas', which means 'eager to know'. The concept of curiosity has been a driving force behind human exploration, discovery, and progress throughout history. From early philosophers to modern scientists, curiosity has played a crucial role in expanding our knowledge and understanding of the world.
See also: curiously.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,434 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 5431 envelope
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- 5433 specialist
- 5434 curiosity
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- 5436 modeling
- 5437 hungry
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