INQUISITIVE


Meaning of INQUISITIVE in English

I. ə̇nˈkwizəd.]iv, -ət] adjective

Etymology: Middle English inquisitif, from Middle French, from Late Latin inquisitivus, from Latin inquisitus + -ivus -ive

1. : given to examination, investigation, or research

be curious, attentive, inquisitive as to everything — Earl of Chesterfield

2.

a. : disposed to ask questions out of curiosity

if somebody saw a citizen climbing a street sign they might get inquisitive — Bant Singer

especially : inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of another : prying

I mustn't be inquisitive and ask questions — W.F.De Morgan

she was a bit inquisitive , as girls are — Dorothy Sayers

b. : reflecting or indicating curiosity especially about the affairs of another

his inquisitive face beamed with mischief — Dorothy Sayers

with bright, inquisitive eyes — Claudia Cassidy

Synonyms: see curious

II. noun

( -s )

: an inquisitive person

visible to such inquisitives as myself — William Sansom

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.