Inquisitive: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when describing someone who is eager to learn and asks a lot of questions, often in a detailed manner. It can have a slightly negative connotation if someone asks too many personal questions.

• The inquisitive student asked the professor about every detail of the experiment.
• Her inquisitive nature sometimes made people uncomfortable.

Appropriate for generally describing someone who has a strong desire to know or learn something. It has a neutral to positive connotation.

• She was curious about how the magic trick was performed.
• Curious onlookers gathered around the street performer.

Used when someone is showing or having a desire to know or learn something. It leans towards a formal context and is often used to describe someone's thoughtful questioning.

• The inquiring journalist asked probing questions during the interview.
• With an inquiring mind, he delved into the historical archives.

Used to express someone's attention or involvement in a particular topic or activity. It generally has a neutral to positive connotation and is very versatile.

• She's interested in ancient history and spends her weekends at the museum.
• If you're interested in joining the club, sign up here.

Ideal for suggesting that an action or behavior is motivated purely by a desire to learn or explore something new. It is often used in scientific or academic contexts.

• His curiosity-driven research led to groundbreaking discoveries.
• Children should be encouraged to follow their curiosity-driven interests.

Used in both positive and negative senses to describe someone who has a strong desire to know or learn more. Often describes children or learners.

• The inquisitive child asked countless questions during the museum tour.
• She gave me an inquisitive look, wondering what I was up to.

Describes someone who asks many questions or doubts something. Can be neutral but often implies skepticism.

• His questioning attitude toward authority sometimes got him into trouble.
• The students were encouraged to maintain a questioning mindset in their studies.

Carries a sense of deep, thorough questioning or investigation, sometimes implying persistence and meticulousness. Can have a negative connotation.

• The reporter’s probing questions made the politician uncomfortable.
• She gave him a probing look, trying to gauge his sincerity.

Used to describe actions or processes aimed at discovering new information or areas. Commonly used in scientific or research contexts.

• They embarked on an exploratory trip to the Amazon rainforest.
• The scientist conducted an exploratory study to understand the new virus.

Refers to someone who seeks information or is curious. Often used to describe a thoughtful or analytical mindset. More formal than 'inquisitive'.

• She has an inquiring mind, always wanting to learn more about the world.
• His inquiring nature made him an excellent detective.