inquisitive etymology

Etymology:

  • Late Latin: inquisitivus, from
  • Latin: inquirere "to inquire" + -tivus "-ive"

Meaning:

  • Eager to learn or know
  • Characterized by curiosity
  • Asking many questions

Origin:

The word "inquisitive" originated in Late Latin during the 4th century AD. It is derived from the Latin verb "inquirere," which means "to inquire." This verb, in turn, is derived from the Latin prefix "in-," meaning "into, within," and the verb "quaerere," meaning "to seek or ask."

Historical Usage:

  • The word "inquisitive" has been used in English since the 14th century.
  • It was initially used to describe people who were eager to learn or gain knowledge.
  • Later, it acquired a broader meaning, encompassing anyone who was characterized by curiosity or a desire to ask questions.

Examples of Usage:

  • "She was an inquisitive child, always asking questions about the world around her."
  • "The scientist's inquisitive nature led him to make groundbreaking discoveries."
  • "The journalist's inquisitive reporting uncovered a web of corruption."

Synonyms:

  • Curious
  • Inquisitorial
  • Interrogative
  • Prying
  • Questioning

Antonyms:

  • Apathetic
  • Indifferent
  • Passive
  • Uncurious
  • Uninterested

inquisitive relate terms

  • inquire

    Etymology Inquire comes from the Old French word enquerre which in turn derives from

  • query

    Etymology The word query originated in the late 14th century from the Old French word

  • enquire

    Etymology Middle English enquerre from Anglo Norman French enquerre enquere Old Fren

  • inquiring

    Etymology The word inquiring comes from the following roots Latin inquiro meanin

  • uninquisitive

    Etymology The word uninquisitive is derived from the Latin word inquisitus meaning in

  • inquisitive

    Etymology Late Latin inquisitivus from Latin inquirere to inquire tivus ive

  • speculative

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