Curious
'kjʊəriəs
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving a strong desire to know or learn something.
'kjʊəriəs
Eager to know or learn something.
She was curious about the contents of the package.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see a locked box. You're curious – you REALLY want to know what's inside! It's that feeling of wanting to learn or find out something new, like when you ask 'Why?' a lot.
👶 For kids: Wanting to know more about something!
More Examples
The cat gave me a curious look as I entered the room.
Being a curious person, he always asked questions.
How It's Used
"Children are often curious about the world around them."
"Scientists are curious about the origins of the universe."
"The detective was curious about the mysterious clues."
Arousing interest, attention, or wonder; strange or unusual.
'kjʊəriəs
Arousing interest or attention through being unusual or novel.
The building had a curious shape.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see a weird, colorful object you've never seen before. That object is *curious*. It's something that makes you look twice and wonder what it is.
👶 For kids: Something that is strange or different and makes you want to look at it!
More Examples
We found a curious inscription on the ancient stone.
She wore a curious hat that turned heads.
How It's Used
"The artist used a curious technique that baffled viewers."
"The museum displayed several curious artifacts from ancient civilizations."
Idioms & expressions
a curious case
An unusual or puzzling situation or person.
"The police were baffled by the curious case of the missing paintings."
From Old French *curious* or *curius* (attentive, diligent) and directly from Latin *curiosus* (careful, diligent, inquisitive), from *cura* (care).
The word 'curious' has been used for centuries. Shakespeare often used it to describe unusual or intriguing events and objects. Early uses also related to carefulness and diligence.
Memory tip
Think of a *cure* to remember wanting to *know* more.
Word Origin
"care, diligence, or concern"