curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "curiosity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a yearning to know or learn something. Example sentence: His curiosity compelled him to investigate the strange noise in the attic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Self-education (or autodidacticism) requires the utmost discipline – plus curiosity.

The Guardian

The project is aiming to create a Mario who "gets to know his own world" by becoming "aware of himself and his environment", enabling him to make his own decisions based on his curiosity, hunger, happiness and fear, as well as through voice commands delivered by a researcher.

The Guardian - Tech

Interestingly, as the numbers on the scales have fallen I have sensed a newfound respect and curiosity emerging from my peers.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The macaque in the video is likely to have initially been acting out of curiosity and then perhaps alarm".

The Guardian

Her curiosity, passion and energy are unmatched, and I can't wait to see where she'll lead us next".

The Guardian

I had a sense of adventure and curiosity which deteriorates with age – it's a shame, but also life-saving.

The Guardian - Film

Qualities such as energy, enthusiasm, flair, imagination, analytical skills, intellectual curiosity and "a reluctance to accept things at face value", are also crucial, says Baker.

The Guardian

It was like, when you know something as beautiful all your life and suddenly the whole world is looking at it and that gaze isn't necessarily a gaze of curiosity but something more negative, then you start to feel defensive about what you love.

The Guardian

I am full of curiosity, fear of missing out.

The Guardian

By far the most striking thing about him is his curiosity.

The Guardian - Film

There's a similar lack of curiosity in the public arena into the recent career of Australian counter-insurgency figure David Kilcullen, offered fawning profiles in the press celebrating his apparent skills in defeating insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan while working for the Pentagon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curiosity" as a driving force to challenge assumptions and explore unconventional solutions, leading to breakthrough discoveries and novel approaches.

Common error

Avoid letting "curiosity" cross the line into nosiness, which involves intruding into others' private matters without their consent. Focus your inquisitiveness on areas relevant to your goals and respect personal boundaries.

Linguistic Context

The word "curiosity" functions primarily as a noun, representing the quality of being eager to know or learn something. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a yearning to know or learn something. The provided examples demonstrate its role in various sentence structures, often as the subject or object of a verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curiosity" is a versatile and widely used noun that signifies a strong desire to learn or know something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts. Its primary function is to express inquisitiveness, exploration, and interest in understanding the world. While generally neutral in register, its use spans from news and media to formal and business settings. To enhance your writing, use "curiosity" to convey a sense of wonder and the importance of continuous learning, while being mindful of differentiating it from intrusive "prying" or "nosiness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquisitiveness

This alternative emphasizes a proactive and questioning approach to learning.

interest

A general term for wanting to know more or be involved with something.

eagerness to learn

Focuses on the enthusiasm and motivation to acquire knowledge.

spirit of inquiry

Highlights a mindset geared toward questioning and exploration.

sense of wonder

Emphasizes amazement and fascination as drivers of exploration.

probing mind

Refers to an active intellect that actively explores.

exploratory nature

Describes a tendency to explore and investigate new things.

fascination

A strong interest or attraction.

prying

This alternative suggests an intrusive or overly inquisitive approach.

nosiness

Implies an excessive and often unwelcome interest in others' affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "curiosity" in a sentence?

You can use "curiosity" to describe a desire to learn or know something, such as "Her curiosity led her to explore the abandoned house" or "The scientist's curiosity drove him to conduct further research".

What are some synonyms for "curiosity"?

Alternatives to "curiosity" include "inquisitiveness", "interest", "eagerness to learn", and "fascination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "curiosity" always a positive trait?

While generally positive, "curiosity" can sometimes be perceived negatively if it becomes excessive or intrusive. In such cases, terms like "prying" or "nosiness" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "curiosity" and "interest"?

"Interest" generally refers to a feeling of wanting to know more about something, while "curiosity" often implies a more active and exploratory approach to gaining knowledge. "Curiosity" can drive you to investigate and ask questions, while "interest" may simply involve enjoying learning about a topic.