Finding the correct word for eager to learn doesn’t have to be a challenge. It’s great to expand your vocabulary and broaden your knowledge if you can put a word to a description. In this article, we’ll look at good words for a willingness to learn and how to use them.
What Are The Best Synonyms For “Willingness To learn”?
Some of the best synonyms for “willingness to learn” include “curious,” “inquisitive,” “teachable,” and “enthusiastic. All of these words hint at a meaning that involves somebody who is willing and eager to learn new things. “Curious” is the best word to use for the direct meaning.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “curious” is “interested in learning about people or things around you.”
So, in this article, we’ll look at the following words and how they relate to the phrase “willingness to learn:”
- Curious
- Inquisitive
- Teachable
- Enthusiastic
Curious
“Curious” is by far the most compatible word with the meaning we’re looking for. You can use it to mean precisely that somebody is willing to learn about something.
Someone that is “curious” is interested in learning new things. Those things can be about people or things, and the curious person is always interested to find out more.
For the most part, “curious” is a positive adjective we can use to describe somebody who is willing to learn new things. It’s a great way to use a quick and easy word to convey your meaning.
- I’m curious about history, so I asked my teacher for more textbooks.
- He was curious about what was inside the cave and found some amazing things.
- My children have always been curious souls. They’re constantly finding new things to entertain themselves with.
- You’re a curious being, aren’t you!
As you can see, “curious” is a great word to use when talking about somebody who is willing to learn all about new things. You’ll usually use it in a positive way, though that isn’t always the case.
Sometimes, “curious” is used as a negative adjective. That means that people might call someone “curious” who’s a little too eager to learn about new things. While it’s usually good to be happy to learn about things, some people go overboard and put themselves in danger to learn.
You may have heard the old idiom:
- Curiosity killed the cat.
It’s this idea that sometimes lets “curious” be painted in a negative light.
Inquisitive
Next, we want to talk you through “inquisitive.” It’s another great synonym to use and is definitely up there with “curious.” Many people like to use “inquisitive” as a way to talk about somebody who is willing to learn.
“Inquisitive” means that somebody wants to discover and explore new possibilities. They always have a thirst to try new things and won’t rest until they’ve satisfied that thirst.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “inquisitive” is “wanting to discover as much as you can about things.”
Just like “curious,” “inquisitive” comes with both positive and negative connotations. For the most part, it’s a very positive adjective that you can use to describe somebody who is willing to learn all kinds of new things about the world and the people around them.
- I like to be inquisitive about new things and don’t stop learning until I’ve mastered them (which will never happen)!
- He’s so inquisitive about things. You honestly will never beat him at a strategy game.
- You’re the most inquisitive person I’ve ever met. You’ll find a way to appeal to the masses.
- He’s far too inquisitive to be kept here at the office! You need a grander job that appeals to your capabilities.
“Inquisitive” is a great word to use to talk about somebody who is willing to learn. Usually, “inquisitive” people are slightly more impressive than “curious” people because they often have a tactical thought process or are capable of more critical thinking skills.
Generally, “inquisitive” people are also “intelligent” people, while “curious” people might simply be interested in learning new things.
However, “inquisitive” can also be used negatively. You might find yourself calling someone “too inquisitive” when their eagerness to learn about new things annoys you.
In fact, The Cambridge Dictionary definition in full looks like this:
- wanting to discover as much as you can about things, sometimes in a way that annoys people
Teachable
“Teachable” is another great word to use as a replacement to “willingness to learn.”
“Teachable” is used as an adjective to mean that somebody is capable of being taught new things. It usually implies that they’re willing to learn all about new things, making them an easy candidate to teach.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “teachable” is “able to be taught; that can be taught.”
Most of teaching works better when the people you’re teaching are receptive to what you’re saying. If they’re intent on listening and learning, then someone will have a much better time learning from you. It’s these teachable people that make it worthwhile to be a teacher.
- He’s such a teachable student; I couldn’t ask for someone better!
- You’re so teachable. I always have fun studying and teaching with you.
- My teacher said I’m a teachable pupil.
Enthusiastic
Finally, let’s look at “enthusiastic.” This is a great synonym to use, but it doesn’t always relate to a willingness to learn. Enthusiasm can extend to a wide variety of things in life.
“Enthusiastic” means that somebody is eager to do new things. It doesn’t always have to be learning. You can be enthusiastic about a new hobby or a new sport.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “enthusiastic” is “showing enthusiasm.” This means that someone is eager to learn all about new things.
- I’m an enthusiastic person when I’m introduced to new ideas.
- They’re so enthusiastic, and I can’t believe how happy they are to learn about such a boring subject!
- You’re so enthusiastic about school all the time!
While it doesn’t strictly refer to a willingness to learn, it can still be used correctly in that context. That makes it an excellent candidate to use as a synonym.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
What adjective (single word) means ‘having/using a willingness to learn’?
asked Jan 5, 2015 at 16:26
UKBUKB
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1
I understand you’re looking for a single adjective, and I think «curious» fits the bill nicely (and from a pedagogical perspective curiosity is a key indicator of learner success) but I would like to add the following to the mix because I think it shows, if not willingness, at least readiness or capability, and it might be worth something to you:
fertile mind
From Collins:
fertile mind: One that is capable of sustaining, supporting, growing and developing mental thought interjection, especially among the very young.
answered Jan 5, 2015 at 16:54
Rusty TubaRusty Tuba
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How about curious?
- having a desire to learn or know more about something or someone
- marked by desire to investigate and learn
- eager to learn or know; inquisitive.
Or inquisitive ^
answered Jan 5, 2015 at 16:37
EFrogEFrog
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Having a willingness and capacity to learn is teachability:
teachable adj.
Capable of being taught: teachable skills.
Able and willing to learn: teachable youngsters.
teach′a·bil′i·ty, teach′a·ble·ness n. teach′a·bly adv.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights
reserved.
answered Jan 5, 2015 at 18:01
Edwin AshworthEdwin Ashworth
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Three excellent non-idiomatic words have already been suggested, curious, inquisitive, and teachable, but my intuition is that English lacks a word with your precise definition.
I believe that the idiom «thirst» is what you are seeking. «Thirst for knowledge» is a borderline cliche, but it is still evocative and clear, and I think many people would define it as a «willingness (or desire) to learn». (For the close connection between «will» and desire» see the interesting discussion, “Make of that what you will” – meaning of “will”.)
answered Jan 5, 2015 at 23:08
hunterhoganhunterhogan
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There isn’t a single word in English that would fit. Generally, «eager to learn» would be used.
answered Jan 5, 2015 at 16:27
«Enthusiastic» is the best word that comes to mind for me. Doing is sort of like learning, so it is similar enough.
macraf
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answered Jan 5, 2015 at 21:03
kns98kns98
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“I want to learn Russian”
Oh, hello!
Do you really want learn it? And how do you say that in Russian? You say “Ya h’achu viuchit’ russkiy.” In Russian, that would look like this: Я хочу выучить русский.
In this article, you will indeed learn some Russian. You will: ① learn how to say “I want to learn Russian” in many ways, and ② actually get some ways to learn Russian: Apps, Textbooks and Russian courses.
Ready? Keep reading.
First, let’s learn how to say “I want” in Russian. If you say “I want to learn Russian” you better know how to say “want.” Here’s how: Я хочу … (Ya h’achu…).
“Я” is “I” and “хочу” is “want.” It’s just like in English. And the good news is that it’s the same for all genders.
Let’s have a look at the some examples:
- Я хочу поздравить Вас
- Ya h’achu pozdravit’ vas
- I want to congratulate you
- Я хочу увидеть мир
- Ya h’achu uvidet’ mir
- I want to see the world
By the way, you should also HEAR some real Russian.
So, while you read this lesson, listen to this free Russian Audio Lesson. It’s a bit unrelated but you will learn Russian greetings.
- Lesson: 3-Minute Russian – Greetings
- by RussianPod101 – click here for more easy Russian lessons
Now, onto the “I want to learn Russian” phrases.
- Я хочу выучить русский
- Ya h’achu viuchit’ russkiy
We already know the how to say the first part of the sentence, now we’re going to discuss the rest of it.
“выучить” (viuchit’) here means “to learn” and “русский” (russkiy) is “Russian.”
Remember that the (t’) sound you see above is a softer “t” than the one we’re used to pronounce in English.
2. I want to be able to read Russian – Я хочу научиться читать на русском
- Я хочу научиться читать на русском
- Ya h’achu nauchitsa chitat’ na russkom
Here “научиться” (nauchitsa) has the meaning of “to learn”, “читать” (chitat’) stands for “to read” and the word combination “на русском” (na ruskom) means “in Russian.”
3. I want to speak Russian – Я хочу говорить по-русски
- Я хочу говорить по-русски
- Ya h’achu gavarit’ po russki
The Russian for “to speak” is “говорить” (gavarit’) and “по-русски” (po russki) literally means “in Russian.”
4. I will learn Russian – Я выучу русский язык
- Я выучу русский язык
- Ya viuchu russkiy yazik
You can say this phrase when you’re sure that you can and you will learn the Russian language.
“выучу” (viuchu) is a verb in the future form meaning “I will learn” and “русский язык” (russkiy yazik) is “Russian language” just as easy!
5. I want my Russian to be better – Я хочу улучшить свой русский
- Я хочу улучшить свой русский
- Ya h’achu ulutshit’ svoy russkiy.
When you already know the basics of Russian you will naturally want to improve it, in this case you can say this phrase. “улучшить” (uluchshyt’) stands for “to make better” and “свой” (svoy) means “my.”
6. I want to speak Russian better – Я хочу лучше говорить по-русски
- Я хочу лучше говорить по-русски
- Ya h’achu lutshe gavarit’ po russki
This one is good for the case when you want to improve your Russian speaking skills. “luchshe” (luchshe) is simply “better.” All the other words in this sentence are already familiar to job. Good job!
7. I want to speak Russian fluently – Я хочу бегло говорить по-русски
- Я хочу бегло говорить по-русски
- Ya h’achu begla gavarit’ po russki
In this sentence the word “бегло” (begla) has the meaning of “fluently.” Remember this one because it’s your goal!
8. I want to understand Russian – Я хочу понимать русский
- Я хочу понимать русский
- Ya h’achu panimat’ russkiy
The only new word for you here is “понимать” (panimat’) and it can be translated as “to understand” in English.
9. I’ll start studying Russian today – Я начну изучать русский сегодня
- Я начну изучать русский сегодня
- Ya nachnu izuchat’ russkiy sevodnya
Don’t just say it – dot it! Start doing your first steps this very day and you’ll see how your Russian becomes better.
“начну” (nachnu) has got the meaning of “I will start”, “изучать” (izuchat’) means to learn / to study and “сегодня” (sevodnya) stands for “today.”
10. I dream of learning Russian – Я мечтаю выучить Русский
- Я мечтаю выучить Русский
- Ya mechtayu viuchit’ russkiy
Learn and memorize the phrases in this article and you’ll approach a few steps closer to your dream to come true.
If you want to say that you dream of something in Russian say “Я мечтаю” (ya mechtayu) – “I dream.” Pretty easy, isn’t it?
11. I’d like to study Russian… – Мне бы хотелось выучить русский
- Мне бы хотелось выучить русский
- Mnye bi h’atelas’ viuchit’ russkiy
“Мне бы хотелось” (mnye bih h’atelas’) is a more polite way to say “I want to…”
You can also use this construction before you wish to initiate or add something in a polite manner. Here’s an example:
“Мне бы хотелось сказать…” (Mnye bih h’atelas’ skazat’) – I’d like to say…
And one more thing we should note here is the Russian particle “бы” (bih) which means “would, could have.” In this case it is used to express a wish or a desire to do something.
12. It would be great to know Russian… – Было бы неплохо знать русский
- Было бы неплохо знать русский
- Byla bih neploh’a vyuchit’ russkiy
- Word for word translation: It would be not bad to learn Russian
This example is another way to express your desire to learn Russian.
In this sentence we see another example of using particle “бы” (bih). “Было бы” (byla bih) literally means “would be.”
Now let’s move forward to the word “неплохо” (neploh’a) which has the direct meaning of “not bad”, but it can also be translated as “good, nice, great.”
The phrase “было бы неплохо” (byla bih neploh’a) is quite often used in the Russian language, especially in everyday speech, when you want to initiate something or make a hint that you want to do something. Have a look at the examples down below:
- Был бы неплохо поехать в отпуск (Byla bih neploh’a poeh’at’ v otpusk) – I would be nice if we could go on a holiday.
- Было бы неплохо, если бы вы приехали навестить нас (byla bih neploh’a, esli bih vy prieh’ali navestit’ nas) – It would be great if you could come and visit us.
Conclusion: Now, you can say “I want to learn Russian.”
You can also talk about reading, speaking and understanding this language. Just re-read and repeat these lines some more if you want to master them.
But wait, what’s that? You say you want to learn MORE?
Well, my friend, check out the links below for resources:
- How to Learn Russian in 5 Minutes
- Best Russian Textbooks
Written by the Main Junkie
P.S. Want to learn & speak the Russian language?
Check out RussianPod101, a complete Russian learning program with 1,000+ audio and video lessons, apps, study tools, eBooks and PDF lesson notes. I think their lessons can and will help you learn and speak Russian.
Click here get a FREE Lifetime Account & speak Russian with fast + easy lessons
People who love to learn don’t depend only on classrooms or professors. They seek answers to every question; their minds are always clouded with ‘how’ and ‘why.’ They have an innate desire to please their inner curiosity and dig deeper until their thirst for answers quenches.
What would you call such a person?
What would be a suitable expression or word for a person passionate about searching, researching, learning new things, and acquiring immense knowledge? Someone who questions everything, looks for answers, and learns with deep understanding.
This is the question I had in mind while deciding the name of this website. Autodidact was the first word that came to my mind, but the name had to be more generic so that people could remember and return to the website more often.
Well, there are many words for the same. Here is a list of the most noteworthy ones:
Autodidact
According to Oxford Dictionary, it means “A self-taught person.” It formed out of the English word Auto (self) and the Greek word didact (teach). In other terms, someone who has acquired knowledge or learned a subject without seeking help from a teacher or formal education institution.
Instead of calling a computer technician, you would fix it on your own.
Philomath
According to Merriam-Webster, it means “A lover of learning: scholar,” especially a mathematics student. This word originated in Greece and was used as a possessor of knowledge in multiple fields.
Polymath
A more profound word for this loveable expression. A polymath is a person whose expertise lies in different subjects. The knowledge is used to solve a specific problem by learnings from every perspective. Polyhistor is another term to describe the same.
Epistemophilic
“Edison had an epistemophilic personality.” This states that Edison had an excessive love or reverence for knowledge. It can be used for – the impulse to inquire.
Sophophilic
Used to describe a person who loves to gather knowledge with a higher emphasis on wisdom. Aristotle and Socrates were the greatest sophophiles of all time.
“There are no foolish questions, and no man becomes a fool until he has stopped asking questions.”
Charles Proteus Steinmetz
Philosophile
A person who loves to learn about philosophy. A love for a certain kind of thinking and approach toward a specific problem. Such a person is always involved in questioning, arguing with their notions and beliefs, and trying to change one’s mind.
Bibliophile
A person who loves books. Bibliophile or bibliophilism is the act of loving books. It may also be known as “Bookworm” for someone who loves reading or reads them for content.
Sapiosexual
It is formed from two Latin words, Sapien (Wise or Intelligent) and Sexualis (Sexes). A person who finds intelligence to be the most attractive feature of a human being. I have often quoted this word several times in my writings. This should be known and used more often by the masses.
Inquisitive
An inquisitive person is intellectually curious, eager for knowledge, and likes to inquire, research and ask questions.
Curious
The most crucial trait of any knowledge lover. If you’re curious, you want to know what makes someone special happy?
“Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly.”
Arnold Edinborough
Amore
Known as the name given to a person who has a deep inner need for quiet, a desire to understand, analyze the world they live in, and learn the deeper truth of this universe.
Erudite
Having or showing great knowledge, mastery, or learning. Possessing or displaying erudition. “An erudious scientist.”
Multipotentialite
Someone who has many different interests and creative pursuits in life. This term is used for someone who displays aptitude and excellence across multiple disciplines like art, economics, and science. Emile Wapnick popularized it in the TED talk Why Some of Us Don’t have One True Calling.
Neophilia
According to Collins Dictionary, it means a tendency to like anything new or a love of novelty. Neophilic is a person who has a fondness for, or obsession with, novelty and change. It is considered a personality trait.
Its opposite is neophobia which means fear of anything new or unwillingness to try anything new.
Learnaholic
The suffix “-holic” is added to a word to denote an addiction to it. Examples: workaholic, readaholic, and chocoholic. Similarly, learnaholic is someone who is addicted to learning and does it more than required.
Wonk
Used in an informal context. According to Cambridge Dictionary, a wonk is a person who works or studies too much, especially someone who learns and knows all the details about something. It relates to enthusiastic interest and excessive attention to minor details in a specialized field such as finance, politics, and science.
Pantomath
A person who wants to know or knows everything. Used to denote a great individual who has achieved the pinnacle of learning and understanding. Finance and advisory companies often use this word to convey relations to extensive expertise.
Leonardo da Vinci was one of the best-known knowledge lovers. He opened corpses to learn how the human body functions, played with candles and canvas to see how shadow works and observed water flow to create mechanics. His life was filled with exciting experiments. To learn better, watch this documentary.
What if the most precise word for this expression hasn’t been coined yet? It is time to put your mind to work. Here is one I came up with, a combination of two Latin words – Curiosus (Curious) + Amator (Lover) = Curiosamator. Make yours and share with this community of knowledge.
Want to start learning new things every day? Start here: 50+ Websites to Learn New Things Everyday
So you want to learn English?
Do you want to learn a new language? Are you not sure where to start? It can be very difficult at the beginning. These 5 easy tips1 will help you to cover your bases2 in your studies.
1. Practice all of your skills. Learn how to read, write, speak and understand other speakers. Don’t focus on just one or two skills! Otherwise you will find it difficult to keep up3 with a real conversation.
2. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Even a native English speaker can do a little slip up4 here and there5. If you make a mistake, make a mental note6 and move on. Don’t dwell7 on it. Don’t let it keep you down. It’s a natural part of a learning process.
3. Surround yourself with English media. That means books, films and even YouTube videos. Don’t be afraid to rewind8 if you don’t understand something. Use the subtitles too!
4. Find a friend to practice together with. You can write messages in English to each other. Or maybe have a casual9 conversation about something. This will give you both an opportunity to grow.
5. Work on your vocabulary. If you see a new word, write it down. Think of a real situation it might be useful for. Ask your teacher about similar10 words and any special things about this particular11 word. There can be plenty12 of those!
The most important thing is to continue no matter what13. Today you learn something new. Tomorrow you learn even more! Soon you will find the difficult things of yesterday to be very easy in practice.
Итак, вы хотите изучать английский?
Вы хотите изучить новый язык? Не уверены, с чего начать? В начале пути бывает очень сложно. Эти 5 простых советов помогут вам быть готовыми ко всему в процессе обучения.
1. Практикуйте все ваши навыки. Научитесь читать, писать, разговаривать и понимать других носителей языка. Не фокусируйтесь лишь на одном или двух навыках! Иначе вам будет сложно поддерживать настоящий разговор.
2. Не бойтесь совершать ошибки. Даже те, кто говорит на английском с рождения, время от времени ошибаются. Если вы делаете ошибку, запоминайте её и двигайтесь дальше. Не зацикливайтесь на ней. Не огорчайтесь из-за неё. Это естественная часть процесса обучения.
3. Окружите себя англоязычным медиа. Книгами, фильмами и даже видео на YouTube. Не бойтесь перематывать, если не понимаете чего-то. Также используйте субтитры!
4. Найдите друга, с которым можно практиковаться вместе. Вы можете писать друг другу сообщения на английском. Или повседневно поговорить о чём-то. Это даст вам обоим возможность расти в своих навыках.
5. Работайте над словарным запасом. Если вы видите новое слово, запишите его. Придумайте реальную ситуацию, в которой оно может пригодиться. Узнайте у своего преподавателя о похожих словах и о каких-нибудь необычных фактах об этом конкретном слове. Таких может быть очень много!
Главное – это продолжать, несмотря ни на что. Сегодня вы узнаёте что-то новое. Завтра вы узнаёте ещё больше! И вскоре то, что вчера казалось сложным, на практике окажется очень лёгким.