Noninquisitive

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Showing an unwillingness to seek out information or knowledge
2. Displaying little or no interest in learning or asking questions
3. Not inclined to explore or investigate matters further

Etymology: "Noninquisitive" is a plain formation: the prefix "non-", meaning "not", attached to "inquisitive," which describes someone eager to ask questions and learn. The base word comes from "inquisitive," itself built on the Latin "inquirere," meaning "to search into" or "to inquire," from "in-" ("into") and "quaerere" ("to seek"). That same Latin root gave English "quest," "question," and "require." The pattern is the useful part. English speakers attach "non-" freely to adjectives that already exist, so "noninquisitive" is less a word with its own history than a negation built on demand. It describes a person or attitude that lacks the curiosity the base word implies, and it works the same way as "nonjudgmental" or "noncommittal."

Synonyms: uninterested, indifferent, apathetic, disinterested, unconcerned

Antonyms: curious, inquisitive, interested, nosy, probing