curiosity
kyoor-ree-OS-uh-tee
Curiosity (noun) means a strong desire to learn, know, or explore something. Example: “Out of sheer curiosity, I opened the little box to see what was inside.”
noun
1
A strong desire to learn, know, or explore something.
"Out of sheer curiosity, I opened the little box to see what was inside."
"Her curiosity about the abandoned house got the better of her."
"Children are naturally full of curiosity about the world around them."
2
An unusual or interesting object that attracts attention.
"The museum displayed a few curiosities, including a clock shaped like a tiny house."
"My grandfather kept a cabinet of curiosities on the landing."
"The old shop was full of curiosities from around the world."
How to use curiosity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe urge to find out more about something, or an unusual object worth noticing.
Common pairings
out of curiosity
satisfy your curiosity
a curiosity shop
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Word forms
- Plural
- curiosities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Out of sheer _____, I opened the little box to see what was inside.
Etymology
From Latin curiositas, from curiosus, "careful, inquisitive" — related to cura, "care."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for curiosity
See all rhymes for curiosity →Frequently asked questions
What does “curiosity” mean?
The word “curiosity” means a strong desire to learn, know, or explore something. In plain terms, the urge to find out more about something, or an unusual object worth noticing.
How do you pronounce “curiosity”?
“Curiosity” is pronounced kyoor-ree-OS-uh-tee (/ˌkjʊɹ.iˈɑ.sə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “curiosity” in a sentence?
Here is “curiosity” used in a sentence: “Her curiosity about the abandoned house got the better of her.”
What part of speech is “curiosity”?
“Curiosity” is a noun.
Where does the word “curiosity” come from?
The word “curiosity” comes from Latin. From Latin curiositas, from curiosus, "careful, inquisitive" — related to cura, "care.".
Is “curiosity” a common word?
“Curiosity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “curiosity” have?
“Curiosity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong desire to learn, know, or explore something.
What is the difference between "curiosity" and "interest"?
"Curiosity" is an active urge to find out or explore something you do not yet understand, while "interest" is a broader, often calmer state of wanting to pay attention to something. Curiosity tends to push you toward questions and investigation, whereas interest can simply mean you enjoy or value a subject.
Can "curiosity" refer to an object as well as a feeling?
Yes. Besides naming the desire to learn, "curiosity" can mean an unusual or interesting object that attracts attention, as in "the shop was full of curiosities." In this sense it often refers to rare, quaint, or collectible items.
