Inquisitive vs. Nosy — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Inquisitive and Nosy
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Compare with Definitions
Inquisitive
Inclined to investigate; eager for knowledge
Inquisitive investigators.
Nosy
Given to or showing an intrusive curiosity about the affairs of others; prying.
Inquisitive
Unduly curious and inquiring
"You will have privacy without inquisitive visitors and intrusive medical assessments" (Elisabeth Noble).
Nosy
Prying, inquisitive or curious in other’s affairs; tending to snoop or meddle.
They built tall fences, yet the nosy neighbors always seemed to know everything about them.
Inquisitive
Eager to acquire knowledge.
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Nosy
Having a large or elongated nose.
Inquisitive
Too curious; overly interested; nosy.
Nosy
A look at something to satisfy one's curiosity.
I might wander down to the construction site for a nosy at what they're building.
Inquisitive
Disposed to ask questions, especially in matters which do not concern the inquirer.
A wise man is not inquisitive about things impertinent.
Nosy
Offensively or intrusively curious; prying; nosey; as, he flipped through my letters in his nosy way.
Inquisitive
Given to examination, investigation, or research; searching; curious.
A young, inquisitive, and sprightly genius.
[We] curious are to hear,What happens new.
This folio of four pages [a newspaper], happy work!Which not even critics criticise; that holdsInquisitive attention, while I read.
Nor need we with a prying eye surveyThe distant skies, to find the Milky Way.
Nosy
Offensively curious or inquisitive;
Curious about the neighbor's doings
He flipped through my letters in his nosy way
Prying eyes
The snoopy neighbor watched us all day
Inquisitive
A person who is inquisitive; one curious in research.
Inquisitive
Showing curiosity;
If someone saw a man climbing a light post they might get inquisitive
Raised a speculative eyebrow
Inquisitive
Inquiring or appearing to inquire;
An inquiring look
The police are proverbially inquisitive
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