adj.
Pronunciation: ' kyu ̇ r- ē - ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French curios, from Latin curiosus careful, inquisitive, from cura cure
Date: 14th century
1 a archaic : made carefully b obsolete : ABSTRUSE c archaic : precisely accurate
2 a : marked by desire to investigate and learn b : marked by inquisitive interest in others' concerns : NOSY
3 : exciting attention as strange, novel, or unexpected : ODD <a curious coincidence>
– cu · ri · ous · ness noun
synonyms CURIOUS , INQUISITIVE , PRYING mean interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern. CURIOUS a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know <children are curious about everything>. INQUISITIVE suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing <dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives>. PRYING implies busy meddling and officiousness < prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business>.