curious
Curious (adjective) means Eager to learn or know more about something. Example: “The curious toddler poked at everything on the shelf.”
adjective
1
Eager to learn or know more about something.
"The curious toddler poked at everything on the shelf."
"She was curious about how the magic trick worked."
"The cat was curious about the strange box on the floor."
2
Strange or unusual in a way that draws attention.
"It was a curious coincidence that they both wore the same outfit."
"The old shop had a curious smell that none of us could place."
"Isn't it curious that nobody noticed the missing painting until this morning?"
How to use curious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither wanting to know more about something, or being oddly interesting/unusual.
Common pairings
curious about
a curious mind
curious case
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Etymology
From Latin curiosus, "careful, inquisitive," from cura, "care" — the same root that gives us "curator" and "curious."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for curious
See all rhymes for curious →Frequently asked questions
What does “curious” mean?
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.
How do you use “curious” in a sentence?
Here is “curious” used in a sentence: “The curious toddler poked at everything on the shelf.”
What part of speech is “curious”?
“Curious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “curious” come from?
The word “curious” comes from Latin. From Latin curiosus, "careful, inquisitive," from cura, "care" — the same root that gives us "curator" and "curious.".
Is “curious” a common word?
“Curious” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “curious” have?
“Curious” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: eager to learn or know more about something.
What is the difference between curious and nosy?
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.
Is being curious a good thing?
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.
Can curiosity be developed?
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.
Does 'curious' also mean strange?
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.
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