Curiosity

/kjʊəˈrɪoʊsɪti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A strong desire to know or learn something.

Her curiosity about the world led her to travel to many different countries.

An interesting or unusual quality or feature.

The museum exhibits a variety of curiosities from ancient civilizations.

A strange or unique object or phenomenon.

The shop was filled with all sorts of curiosities, from vintage toys to exotic artifacts.

From Latin 'curiositas', from 'curiosus' meaning 'careful, diligent, curious'.

curiosity killed the cat

Saying used to warn against unnecessary investigation or experimentation.

curiosity breeds innovation

Indicates that curiosity leads to new ideas and inventions.

inquisitive

Having or showing an interest in learning things; curious.

exploration

The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it.

nosey

Don't be so nosey; it's not your business!

peeping

Stop peeping! My curiosity isn't an excuse.