French word

curiosité

Pronunciation

IPA/kyʁjozite/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncuriosity

Example

Les enfants montrent souvent de la curiosité pour les animaux.

Children often show curiosity about animals.

Illustration for curiosité (curiosity)

More examples

Il lit des articles pour assouvir sa curiosité.

He reads articles to satisfy his curiosity.

Core concept

A child noticing something unusual and wanting a closer look and more information.

Common phrases

  • assouvir la curiosité

    satisfy curiosity

  • satisfaire la curiosité

    satisfy curiosity

  • éveiller la curiosité

    arouse curiosity

Similar words

intérêt: Interest in a particular subject and a wish to learn more about it.
questionnement: A state of wondering about things and considering or raising questions.

Definition in French

Attirance pour ce qui étonne ou sort de l'ordinaire, exprimée par l'envie d'examiner ou d'en savoir plus.

Word origin

The Latin noun curiositas developed into French curiosité through Old French, while curiosus supplied the idea of attentive interest.

Usage tips

  • Une curiosité can also mean an unusual object or sight, so context distinguishes this sense from intellectual interest.

Other meanings

  • curionoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word