JFReyes Posted April 1, 2014 Posted April 1, 2014 (edited) I was recently chastened by a new OLD acquaintance because I asked a question because of "curiosity" rather than "interest". To me they're synonyms because I don't assign a built-in intent to the word. After I checked it turns out that the official definition in Spanish carries a negative connotation, while in English and French (which I also speak) it doesn't. Perhaps she was having a "bad hair day", or is too uptight? I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. Edited April 1, 2014 by JFReyes
newmoon Posted April 1, 2014 Posted April 1, 2014 I was recently chastened by a new OLD acquaintance because I asked a question because of "curiosity" rather than "interest". To me they're synonyms because I don't assign a built-in intent to the word. After I checked it turns out that the official definition in Spanish carries a negative connotation, while in English and French (which I also speak) it doesn't. Perhaps she was having a "bad hair day", or is too uptight? I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. they are technically synonyms but carry slightly different connotations. curiosity is more of a nosiness and asking someone something just for the sake of knowing, even when it holds no meaning for you. you're not asking because you generally care (which would be interest). this is just as it relates to your specific OLD situation, in another situation curiosity and interest can be very good things, like being curious or interested for educational/learning purposes, etc. but if she was upset it was probably because you came across as curious/nosey instead of caring/interested
Author JFReyes Posted April 1, 2014 Author Posted April 1, 2014 they are technically synonyms but carry slightly different connotations. curiosity is more of a nosiness and asking someone something just for the sake of knowing, even when it holds no meaning for you. you're not asking because you generally care (which would be interest). this is just as it relates to your specific OLD situation, in another situation curiosity and interest can be very good things, like being curious or interested for educational/learning purposes, etc. but if she was upset it was probably because you came across as curious/nosey instead of caring/interested Understood; I'll be more careful next time. Thanks, @newmoon!
Recommended Posts