curiosity
Translation
curiosity, inquisitiveness, oddity
Examples
Her curiosity led her to open the box.
Her curiosity led her to open the box.
The museum is full of historical curiosities.
The museum is full of historical curiosities.
He asked the question out of curiosity.
He asked the question out of curiosity.
Grammar Patterns
curiosity about ((sth.)) a strong desire to know about (sth.) He has a curiosity about science.
out of curiosity because of a desire to know something I opened the letter out of curiosity.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (desire to know) inquisitiveness, interest; (unusual object) oddity, rarity
Etymology
From Latin 'curiositas', from 'curiosus' meaning 'careful, inquisitive'. The suffix '-ity' forms a noun.
Memory Tips
The state of being 'curious' is 'curiosity'. The '-ity' suffix turns the adjective into a noun.