Curiously
/ˈkjʊəriəsli/
Definitions
In a manner that shows a desire to know or learn something; inquisitively.
/ˈkjʊəriəsli/
In a curious manner; inquisitively.
The children examined the new toy curiously.
💡 Simply: When you're like, "Huh, I wonder what *that* is?" and you start looking closer because you *really* want to know more. Like when you see a weird-looking bug on the sidewalk, you look at it curiously.
👶 For kids: When you want to know more about something, you look at it curiously.
More Examples
He listened to the story curiously, wanting to know the ending.
She stared curiously at the painting, trying to understand its meaning.
The cat watched the bird curiously from the window.
How It's Used
"She looked at the strange object curiously."
"The detective peered curiously at the clues, trying to piece together the puzzle."
Idioms & expressions
curiosity killed the cat
Excessive curiosity can lead to trouble or danger.
"He kept asking questions about the secret project, but his boss warned him, "Curiosity killed the cat.""
From Middle English *curious*, from Old French *curius* (attentive, careful), from Latin *curiosus* (careful, diligent), from *cura* (care).
The word 'curiously' has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving from a description of carefulness and attention to an interest in finding out.
Memory tip
Think of a person raising their eyebrows while tilting their head – a curious expression.
Word Origin
"care"