C1noun1K

Curiosity

UK /["/ˌkjʊəriˈɒsəti/"]/US /["/ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti/"]/

Definition

a strong desire to know about something

In simple words: A strong desire to learn or know more about something.

Examples

  • Her curiosity about ancient cultures led her to study archaeology.
  • The child's curiosity pushed him to ask many questions during the museum tour.
  • Driven by curiosity, the scientists conducted experiments to discover new materials.
  • Curiosity often motivates people to learn new skills or explore unfamiliar places.
  • His curiosity about the strange noise proved to be just a cat outside his window.
  • The curiosity of the rover onboard Mars helps answer questions about the planet’s surface.

Usage notes

Use 'curiosity' when talking about a desire to discover or explore something new. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it when discussing negative aspects of being nosy.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Remember 'curiosity killed the cat' – curiosity leads to exploration and learning.

Collocations

  • great
  • intense
  • insatiable
  • have
  • arouse
  • awaken
  • get the better of somebody
  • overcome somebody
  • take over
  • out of curiosity
  • with curiosity
  • curiosity about
  • a sense of curiosity

Synonyms

  • inquisitiveness
  • interest
  • eagerness
  • wonder
  • skepticism

Antonyms

  • indifference
  • apathy

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'curious', thinking they are interchangeable.
  • Using 'curiosity' as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Mispronouncing as 'curio-sity' instead of 'curios-ity'.