inquisitive
UK[ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv]US[ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv]
adj
eager to learn a lot about things, especially by asking questions
adj
(of a look) showing that one is trying to get information
Morpheme Breakdown
in
quisit
ive
in
into, towards
quisit
to seek, to ask
ive
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'inquisitive' traces its lineage directly to latin. it is built upon the verb 'inquirere', which itself is a compound of the prefix 'in-' (into) and 'quaerere' (to seek, ask). the core semantic unit 'quisit-' is the past participial stem of this verb, carrying the sense of 'having sought or inquired'. the adjectival suffix '-ive' was added to form a word describing someone characterized by the act of inquiring. thus, the literal construction 'having the quality of seeking into (things)' evolved seamlessly into the modern meaning of being curious and prone to asking questions.
Analysis
Structure: in (into, towards) + quisit (to seek, to ask) + ive (adjective-forming suffix)
- in: a latin prefix meaning 'into, towards, in'.
- quisit: from latin 'quaesit-', the past participial stem of 'quaerere', meaning 'to seek, to ask, to inquire'.
- ive: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'having the nature or quality of'.
Examples
she was an inquisitive child, always asking "why?"
he gave her an inquisitive glance, wondering what she was hiding.
the journalist had an inquisitive mind that led her to uncover the truth.