3 syllables: Cu, ri, ous. Stress on Cu.
KYUUR-ee-uhs
/ˈkjʊɹiəs/
Curious is pronounced KYUUR-ee-uhs (/ˈkjʊɹiəs/). It has three syllables (Cu-ri-ous), with the stress on "Cu". Curious is an adjective describing a strong desire to learn or know something, often accompanied by inquisitiveness and exploration. It characterizes people who ask questions, seek evidence, and are motivated by discovery. In use, it contrasts with indifference, suggesting proactive engagement and thoughtful inquiry.
adjectiveCurious is an adjective describing a strong desire to learn or know something, often accompanied by inquisitiveness and exploration. It characterizes people who ask questions, seek evidence, and are motivated by discovery. In use, it contrasts with indifference, suggesting proactive engagement and thoughtful inquiry.
"Her curious mind led her to explore the science exhibit from every angle."
"The children were curious about how the machine worked, asking dozens of questions."
"I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the new policy before we decide."
Pronounce it as KYOO-ree-uhs with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US US: ˈkjʊəriəs; UK/US spellings share the first syllable stress, but expect a slightly longer schwa in the second syllable in careful speech. Start with a tight /k/ followed by a high front vowel in /ʊ/ or /juː/ assimilation; the second syllable uses an unstressed /ri/ or /rɪ/ depending on accent, and finish with /əs/. A practical cue: say 'Q' as in 'cue' plus 'ree-us' quickly to form KYOO-ree-uhs.
Common mistakes: 1) Slurring the first syllable into a flat /kju/ without the proper /j/ glide; 2) Dropping the final /s/ or turning it into a /z/; 3) Reducing the middle vowel too much so it sounds like 'curus' or 'kyoo-ree-uh' with weak /ri/. Correction: keep the glide from /k/ into /j/ producing /kjʊə/ or /ˈkjʊəriəs/ depending on accent, maintain a clear final /s/ or /z/ distinction by using a light sibilant without voicing, and keep the middle /ri/ crisp with limited reduction.
US: rhotic, pronounce the 'r' clearly in /kjʊər/ before the /iəs/. UK: less rhotic in some dialects; the first syllable often retains a strong /j/ after /k/, but the /r/ may be less prominent in non-rhotic varieties; AU: similar to UK with a slightly flatter vowel in the second syllable, broader diphthongs, and less pronounced final /z/ sometimes realized as /s/. In all, the nucleus is a strong /ɪə/ or /jə/ glide depending on accent, but the rhotic r influences the overall quality.
Because of the combination of the strong initial /k/ followed by the /j/ glide (/kj/), plus the unstressed final /əs/ that can reduce, blend or alter the /r/ and /ə/ sounds. The middle /ri/ can be reduced in rapid speech, and the final /s/ needs to stay unvoiced to avoid sounding like /z/. Articulatory focus on transitioning smoothly from /k/ to /j/ and keeping a crisp /s/ is key.
The sequence 'curi' yields a /kjʊə/ or /kjə/ cluster with a delicate /r/ for non-rhotic speakers; the second syllable often features a reduced /ə/ or /ɪ/ before the final /əs/. Emphasize the contrast between the tightly formed first syllable and the lighter, shorter second syllable to preserve natural rhythm in connected speech.
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US: pronounce the r-colored vowel in the first nucleus; use a rounded /ʊər/ or /ʊə/ depending on your dialect; UK: often less pronounced /r/ and a slightly shorter /ə/ in the final syllable; AU: broader vowels, a flatter /ɪə/ or /ə/ approximation with lighter final sibilant. IPA references: US ˈkjʊəriəs, UK ˈkjʊərɪəs, AU ˈkjʊərɪəs. Tips: exaggerate the initial glide (/kj/), keep /ri/ crisp, and avoid tensing the jaw for the final /əs/.
Curious derives from the Latin curiosus, meaning 'careful, diligent, curious', from cura 'care, concern' plus the suffix -ous. The Latin term was used to describe someone who is concerned or inquisitive. In English, the form curious appeared in the 15th century, influenced by Middle French curieux. Its semantic shift emphasizes active desire to know; originally implying a sense of anxious wonder, over time it solidified into general intellectual interest rather than mere wonder. The word’s evolution traces a path from moral or practical concern in Latin to a broader psychological trait in modern English, often carrying a positive nuance of thoughtful inquiry, though at times it can imply prying behavior depending on context.
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Help others use "Curious" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Curious" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Curious" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Curious"
-ous sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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