inquisitive

/ɪŋˈkwɪzətɪv/

Group 32Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Curious or inquiring; unduly curious about the affairs of others
GRE

Example in Context

The inquisitive journalist pursued leads that others considered dead ends, eventually uncovering the story that earned her a national award.

Synonyms

curiousnosyprobing

Etymology

In seeking knowledge or answers, one becomes curious.

  • in- (Latin) — in
  • quaerere (Latin) — to seek

Memory Aid

🤔Sounds like “in quiz it

When the teacher says, 'IN QUIZ IT!' I become so INQUISITIVE, I turn into a detective with a magnifying glass!

Visual Association

🔍A child peering through a magnifying glass at a hidden treasure map, bursting with curiosity.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “inquisitive” mean on the GRE?

inquisitive (adjective) means “Curious or inquiring; unduly curious about the affairs of others”. The inquisitive journalist pursued leads that others considered dead ends, eventually uncovering the story that earned her a national award.

How to remember “inquisitive” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “inquisitive” sounds like “in quiz it”. When the teacher says, 'IN QUIZ IT!' I become so INQUISITIVE, I turn into a detective with a magnifying glass!

What are synonyms for “inquisitive”?

Common synonyms: curious, nosy, probing.