greedy curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

"greedy curiosity" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It describes a strong desire or eagerness to know or learn something, often at the expense of others. Example: The detective's greedy curiosity drove her to search through the suspect's personal belongings, despite knowing it was an invasion of privacy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Her eyes were fixed on Nico, pleading but also with a greedy curiosity.

The Guardian - Books

Toni Morrison's love for her people is Tolstoyan in its detail and greedy curiosity; the reader is inside their doings and sufferings.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Several times, for all his intentness, he caught her look of curiosity at him, curiosity like his own, hard and greedy and tinged with shame.

The Guardian - Books

Greedy unions.

The New York Times

Even greedy.

The Guardian - Books

Very greedy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"How greedy!

The New York Times

For curiosity?

The New Yorker

Thus Curiosity.

Independent

literary curiosity?

The New Yorker

Curiosity prevailed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "greedy curiosity" to convey a strong, almost obsessive, desire to know or learn something, especially when the subject matter is sensitive or potentially harmful. Consider the ethical implications of such intense inquisitiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "greedy curiosity" in contexts where a simple, innocent interest is meant. The phrase carries a connotation of being overly eager, potentially invasive, or even exploitative. Opt for a more neutral term like "keen interest" if the context doesn't warrant the intensity of "greedy curiosity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greedy curiosity" functions as a noun phrase, where "greedy" modifies "curiosity". This construction intensifies the typical meaning of curiosity, suggesting a strong and perhaps excessive desire to know. Ludwig provides examples from news and media highlighting its descriptive usage in character portrayals and motivations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "greedy curiosity" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an intense and potentially invasive desire to know. While it is relatively rare, as shown by Ludwig, its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, lending a neutral to slightly informal tone. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, with "greedy" intensifying the concept of "curiosity". When using this phrase, consider its potentially negative connotation and whether a more neutral alternative like "keen interest" might be more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms the intense nature of this phrase and its validity in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insatiable curiosity

Emphasizes the unappeasable nature of the curiosity.

voracious curiosity

Highlights the consuming and ravenous aspect of the curiosity.

unquenchable thirst for knowledge

Shifts the focus to knowledge as the object of intense desire.

intense inquisitiveness

Focuses on the high degree of inquisitiveness.

eager anticipation

Emphasizes the excitement and eagerness associated with anticipating new information.

compulsive investigation

Highlights the driven, almost obsessive nature of the inquiry.

unhealthy obsession with knowing

Presents a more negative connotation, suggesting an unhealthy focus on knowledge.

morbid fascination

Implies a dark or unpleasant subject of interest.

nosy intrusiveness

Emphasizes the intrusive and unwelcome aspect of the curiosity.

prying interest

Highlights the invasive and potentially disrespectful nature of the curiosity.

FAQs

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

You can use "greedy curiosity" to describe a character's intense desire to know something, often with a negative implication. For example: "Her eyes were fixed on Nico, pleading but also with a "greedy curiosity"."

What's a less intense alternative to "greedy curiosity"?

If "greedy curiosity" feels too strong, consider alternatives such as "keen interest", "eager curiosity", or simply "interest" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "greedy curiosity" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "greedy curiosity" carries a somewhat informal and judgmental tone. In formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "intense interest" or "strong desire to know".

What is the difference between "greedy curiosity" and "idle curiosity"?

"Greedy curiosity" implies a strong, almost obsessive desire to know, while "idle curiosity" suggests a more casual and aimless interest. One is driven, the other is not.