active curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "active curiosity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being inquisitive and engaged in seeking knowledge or understanding. Example: "Her active curiosity about the world around her led her to explore various cultures and ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Meanwhile, though foreign publishers have embraced Nigerian writers living abroad, notably the Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri, their active curiosity about those in Nigeria has clearly waned.

The Guardian - Books

Twenty-four-hour cable news channels have the potential — the time — to do more, but for the most part they take the easy way out, rewarding our idle curiosity and not engaging our active curiosity about the world or about history.

The New Yorker

Considering their hazardous potential it might be questioned whether this goes along with Art 34 a (2) in the CLP Regulation which says: "Packaging containing a hazardous substance or a mixture supplied to the general public shall not have either a shape or design likely to attract or arouse the active curiosity of children or to mislead consumers, …".

Environmental Sciences Europe

Real homework and real study is not rote memory, but active curiosity.

Huffington Post

Yet Brecher, who led the Sundance Institute for 13 years, has a new convert's enthusiasm, skeins of energy and an active curiosity about the library and its role.

Los Angeles Times

Still, Agnostics, who may have an active curiosity about the possible existence of a supernatural being or force, are very different from Atheists, who see the question as fully settled.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Each class entering the engineering program should be reflective of Cornell's ideals of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, active engagement outside the classroom, and embracement of diversity so that both the students and Cornell benefit.

Cornell University

It describes how the theme of health in the picturesque debates of eighteenth century England (including such concepts as 'active curiosity') was taken up and developed in arguments for the nineteenth century urban park movement in England and North America.

Landscape and Urban Planning

We have a bleak drama landscape lacking in curiosity or active engagement, a drama of repetitive technique, the safety of familiar genre convention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Real curiosity reflects active engagement with an idea.

Huffington Post

The antidote to rote learning and narrow skill building is the cultivation of curiosity through active learning.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "active curiosity" to emphasize a proactive and engaged approach to learning and exploration. It implies a deliberate effort to seek out new information and experiences, rather than passive observation.

Common error

Avoid using "active curiosity" when describing simple interest or passive observation. "Active curiosity" implies a deliberate effort to investigate, question, and explore, distinguishing it from a fleeting interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "active curiosity" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "active" modifies "curiosity", emphasizing a proactive and engaged approach to seeking knowledge. As Ludwig AI states, it describes being inquisitive and engaged.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "active curiosity" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a state of being inquisitive and engaged in seeking knowledge. As Ludwig highlights, it's appropriate for describing proactive learning and exploration, with Ludwig AI analysis classifying it as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. While not exceedingly common, it is utilized across a variety of authoritative sources like the The New York Times and academic papers, lending itself to both formal and neutral registers. To emphasize proactive engagement, consider alternatives like "engaged inquisitiveness" or "lively interest". When using the phrase, ensure it reflects deliberate exploration rather than simple passive interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaged inquisitiveness

Emphasizes the involvement and inquisitiveness aspect, shifting from 'curiosity' to 'inquisitiveness'.

lively interest

Replaces 'curiosity' with 'interest' and 'active' with 'lively', focusing on enthusiasm.

keen interest

Highlights the intensity of the interest, rather than the active pursuit of knowledge.

strong inquisitiveness

Focuses on the depth of inquiry instead of the active participation in seeking answers.

eager desire to learn

Expands the phrase to include the specific desire for learning, rather than a general curiosity.

inquisitive nature

Shifts the focus to a characteristic trait rather than an action-oriented curiosity.

probing mind

Suggests a deeper, more investigative level of curiosity.

exploratory spirit

Emphasizes the aspect of discovery and exploration inherent in curiosity.

intellectual hunger

Metaphorically describes curiosity as a strong need for intellectual fulfillment.

inquiring mind

Focuses on the mental process of questioning and seeking information.

FAQs

How can I use "active curiosity" in a sentence?

You can use "active curiosity" to describe someone who is proactively seeking knowledge or understanding. For example: "Her active curiosity led her to explore various cultures and ideas."

What is a good synonym for "active curiosity"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "engaged inquisitiveness", "keen interest", or "inquisitive nature".

What's the difference between "active curiosity" and simply being curious?

"Active curiosity" implies a proactive and engaged approach to seeking knowledge, while simply being curious might suggest a more passive interest. The "active" component highlights the effort and initiative taken to explore and learn.

Is "active curiosity" a formal or informal phrase?

"Active curiosity" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.