French Conversation · Level 29
89 words
French word
curieusement
Pronunciation
IPA/kyʁjøzəmɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbsurprisingly
Example
C'est curieusement plus facile que je pensais.
It's surprisingly easier than I thought.
More examples
La montre fonctionne curieusement depuis ce matin.
The watch has been working strangely since this morning.
Core concept
An event appears outside the normal pattern, causing mild surprise and a sense that something is not quite explained.
Common phrases
fonctionner curieusement
function strangely
marcher curieusement
work strangely
Similar words
étonnamment: In a way that is surprisingly contrary to expectations.
bizarrement: In a strange and unnatural way.
étrangement: In a way that seems inexplicable from appearances or behavior.
Definition in French
Signale qu'une action ou un état survient de façon surprenante, parfois avec une connotation légèrement étrange.
Word origin
The adverb curieusement derives from curieux plus -ment, while curieux developed from Latin curiosus and later acquired senses linked with the unusual or strange.
Usage tips
- Unlike English curious, curieux and curieusement can describe something strange or unexpected, not only a desire to know more.
Other meanings
- strangelyadverb
- curiouslyadverb
Opposites
- normalementnormallyadverb