inquisitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inquisitive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who shows an interest in learning new things, usually by asking lots of questions. For example, "The inquisitive child wanted to know more about the world around him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I floated silently past all kinds of amazing riverside homes – old manor houses, tiny cottages, boathouses and mysterious creeks, and ogled, like a particularly inquisitive fish, at the secret riches of waterside life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gone are the days when the garden was off limits to all but the most inquisitive of future footballers – it's now a public space and, with some inevitability, there's a Costa cup floating in the pond.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This ignorance is often exposed by inquisitive actors in rehearsal rooms.

The Guardian

Today's young people are inquisitive, curious and want their information to be easily digestible, as well as fun.

The Guardian

Unlike most French parks, there is a distinct lack of Gallic order here; in fact, with lakes, open spaces, and its greedy and inquisitive ducks, you could very easily be in a park in any British city.

The Guardian - Books

The body, "emaciated and in very bad condition",was found near the village of Goldhanger on Thursday and marine specialists remain concerned there could be a mass stranding involving the highly social and inquisitive creatures.

The Guardian

This trip does not come cheap, and the mountain is sometimes lost in cloud and ash, but the inquisitive are guaranteed an eerie snapshot of what used to be Montserrat's capital, Plymouth, before it was buried up to its rooftops.

The Guardian - Travel

With its 8ft wingspan and massive nests, it is conspicuous and, unlike the notoriously wary golden eagle, an inquisitive animal.

The Guardian

From among the rocks peeped the peculiar inquisitive faces of vizcachas, large golden rodents with long tails.

The Guardian - Travel

An inquisitive teenager in the 1960s might fret with his parents over the shedding of fleets and factories, but he was much more likely to be lost in Tolkien, CND or the Beatles' new LP.

The Guardian - Opinion

The NHS care regulator's process is now much more rigorous, inquisitive and prolonged than before, and can involve teams of up to 60 or 70 inspectors spending up to a week at a time at a particular hospital trust.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inquisitive" to describe individuals or entities that actively seek knowledge or understanding, creating engaging and thought-provoking content.

Common error

Avoid using "inquisitive" when "interested" or "curious" would suffice; "inquisitive" implies a more active and probing approach to gaining knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "inquisitive" primarily functions to describe a subject's inherent trait or behavior characterized by a strong desire to seek knowledge and understanding. Ludwig examples highlight its use in describing people, animals, or even processes as exhibiting a tendency to ask questions and explore.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "inquisitive" is a commonly used adjective that describes a person or thing that is curious and eager to learn. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It commonly appears in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific sources. When using "inquisitive", it's best to reserve it for situations where there's an active and probing search for knowledge, rather than just a general interest. Alternatives include "curious" and "questioning", but "inquisitive" carries a stronger connotation of active exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curious

Emphasizes a general desire to know or learn something.

eager to learn

Focuses on the enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge.

questioning

Highlights the act of asking questions to gain understanding.

intellectually curious

Emphasizes a deep and thoughtful interest in learning.

investigative

Suggests a more formal and thorough search for information.

interested

Indicates a general sense of wanting to know more about something.

probing

Implies a deep and thorough examination to uncover hidden information.

searching

Indicates an active effort to find something, whether information or understanding.

nosy

Conveys an excessive or inappropriate interest in others' affairs.

prying

Suggests intrusiveness and a desire to uncover secrets.

FAQs

How can I use "inquisitive" in a sentence?

You can use "inquisitive" to describe someone who is eager to learn and asks many questions. For example, "The "inquisitive child" always asked 'why?'"

What is a good alternative to "inquisitive"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "inquisitive" include "curious", "questioning", or "investigative".

When is it appropriate to use "inquisitive"?

"Inquisitive" is appropriate when describing someone who actively seeks knowledge or understanding through questioning and exploration, rather than passive interest.

What is the difference between "inquisitive" and "nosy"?

"Inquisitive" implies a genuine desire to learn, while "nosy" suggests an intrusive interest in other people's private affairs.