curious

The word “curious” means eager to learn or know more about something. In plain terms, either wanting to know more about something, or being oddly interesting/unusual.

Here is “curious” used in a sentence: “The curious toddler poked at everything on the shelf.”

“Curious” is an adjective.

The word “curious” comes from Latin. From Latin curiosus, "careful, inquisitive," from cura, "care" — the same root that gives us "curator" and "curious.".

“Curious” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Curious” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: eager to learn or know more about something.

Both involve wanting to know, but the tone differs sharply. Curious is positive: a genuine, open desire to learn and understand. Nosy is negative: prying into other people's private business where you're not welcome. A curious person asks to grow; a nosy person intrudes. Context and intent are what separate them.

Generally, yes. Curiosity drives learning, creativity, and problem-solving, and it's prized in students, scientists, and anyone who wants to grow. It keeps the mind engaged and open to new ideas. The one caution is respecting boundaries; healthy curiosity seeks understanding without prying into things that aren't yours to know.

Yes. Curiosity is more a habit than a fixed trait, and you can nurture it. Ask more questions, explore topics outside your routine, and treat 'I don't know' as an invitation rather than a dead end. Environments that reward questions and exploration, at home or work, help curiosity grow over time.

Yes, it has a second meaning. Besides 'eager to learn,' curious can describe something odd, unusual, or puzzling, as in 'a curious noise came from the attic' or 'a curious coincidence.' Context makes the meaning clear: applied to a person it usually means inquisitive; applied to a thing or event it often means strange.