What does "curiosity" mean?

1. (desire to know) the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something. 2. (an unusual object) an unusual or rare object that people find interesting. 3. (fine workmanship) very careful and delicate work or construction.

How do you use "curiosity"?

Often used with the preposition 'about' or followed by an infinitive. In this sense, the noun is countable. Rarely encountered in modern speech; found primarily in historical texts or formal descriptions of art.

curiosity

US //ˌkjʊɹiˈɑsəti// UK //kjˌʊɹɪˈɒsɪti// cu·rios·i·ty

1 desire to know (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something.

the state or quality of being inquisitive; a strong desire to investigate and learn.

Example

The children were full of curiosity about the locked room at the end of the hall.

Example

Her intellectual curiosity led her to explore fields of study far beyond the requirements of her degree.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'about' or followed by an infinitive.
- inquisitiveness
- interest
- indifference
- apathy
2 an unusual object (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

an unusual or rare object that people find interesting.

a rare, unusual, or strange object that attracts interest or attention.

Example

The old shop was filled with curiosities like wooden toys and ancient coins.

Example

The museum's collection includes several Victorian curiosities, such as a clock that runs entirely on water power.

Usage

In this sense, the noun is countable.

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3 fine workmanship (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

very careful and delicate work or construction.

the quality of being carefully or delicately constructed; fine or intricate workmanship.

Example

The gold box was a curiosity of fine carving and detail.

Example

The ivory cabinet was a curiosity of such exquisite detail that it was considered the finest piece in the royal collection.

Usage

Rarely encountered in modern speech; found primarily in historical texts or formal descriptions of art.
- delicacy
- intricacy

Origin

From Middle English curiosite, variant of curiouste, from Anglo-Norman curiouseté, from Latin cūriōsitātem, accusative of cūriōsitās. By surface analysis, curious + -ity. Displaced native Old English firwitt.