What is curiosity? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of curiosity in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of curiosity

curiositynoun

sự tò mò

/ˌkjʊəriˈɒsəti//ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti/

Where does the word curiosity come from?

The word "curiosity" has its roots in 15th-century Latin and Greek. The Latin word "curiosus" means "careful, diligent, inquisitive", and the Greek word "kuluria" means "care, concern". The term "curiosity" was coined in the 14th century from the Latin "curiosus". Initially, it meant "a feeling of careful attention or concern". Over time, the meaning expanded to include "a desire to learn or know" and "an inquisitive or inquiring mind". In the 17th century, the term took on a more negative connotation, often implying meddling or prying. However, in the 18th century, the word's meaning returned to its original positive sense, emphasizing the value of curiosity as a driving force for discovery and exploration.

Vocabulary summary curiosity

typenoun

meaningcuriosity; curiosity

meaningcuriosity; curiosity, inquisitiveness

exampleout of curiosity

meaningstrange object, rare object, precious object, strange scene

examplethe curiosities of the town

Example of vocabulary curiositynamespace

meaning

a strong desire to know about something

  • Children show curiosity about everything.
  • I felt a certain curiosity to see what would happen next.
  • The letter wasn't addressed to me but I opened it out of curiosity.
  • His answer did not satisfy my curiosity at all.
  • Sophie's curiosity was aroused by the mysterious phone call.
meaning

an unusual and interesting thing

  • The museum is full of historical curiosities.
  • Emma had a natural curiosity about the world and was constantly asking questions to feed her insatiable hunger for knowledge.
  • The scientist's curiosity led him to conduct multiple experiments to uncover the secrets of the universe.

Idioms of vocabulary curiosity

curiosity killed the cat
(saying)used to tell somebody not to ask questions or try to find out about things that do not involve them

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