Etymology Map
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Curious

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means eager to know; strange

Where does the word "curious" come from? It comes from Latin curiosus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
curiosus
Latin · ancient
"careful, inquisitive"
from 'cura', care
2
Stage 2 of 3
curios
Old French · medieval
"careful, inquisitive"
a 'cabinet of curiosities' displayed rare objects in the 1600s
3
Stage 3 of 3
curious
English · 1300s
"careful; eager to know"
'curiouser and curiouser' is from Alice in Wonderland
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Read the full story

Curious’s story begins in Latin: curiosus meant “careful, inquisitive.” From 'cura', care. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as curios. A 'cabinet of curiosities' displayed rare objects in the 1600s. It reached English by 1300s as curious. 'curiouser and curiouser' is from Alice in Wonderland. Today, curious means eager to know; strange.