curiosity

pronunciation

How to pronounce curiosity in British English: UK [ˌkjʊəriˈɒsəti] word uk audio image

How to pronounce curiosity in American English: US [ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti] word us audio image

Noun:

a state in which you want to learn more about something
something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting

Word Origin

curiosity (n.): late 14c., "careful attention to detail," also "desire to know or learn" (originally usually in a bad sense), from Old French curiosete "curiosity, avidity, choosiness" (Modern French curiosité), from Latin curiositatem (nominative curiositas) "desire of knowledge, inquisitiveness," from curiosus (see curious). Neutral or good sense is from early 17c. Meaning "an object of interest" is from 1640s.

Synonym

n.

idiosyncrasy eccentricity aberrance aberrancy idiocrasy peculiarity

n.

querying inquisitiveness questioning acquisitiveness concern interest

n.

intermeddling nosiness meddling intruding peeping intrusiveness business snooping interference meddlesomeness eavesdropping obtrusiveness officiousness prying interfering

n.

piece oddity bibelot curio phenomenon novelty sight d'art wonder freak object conversation rarity miracle eye-opener spectacle prodigy marvel

Antonym

n.

unconcern indifference incuriosity

Example

1. Curiosity is your ticket to the unconventional world .

2. Well , apple did reverse a decline that had its personal computers headed from niche product to museum curiosity .

3. Their curiosity is not just academic .

4. She seemed to find my curiosity unnatural .

5. These circumstances rekindled my dormant curiosity .

more: >How to Use "curiosity" with Example Sentences