What does intrigued mean?
“Intrigued” means intensely interested and curious about something that seems mysterious, surprising, or unusual. It is commonly used with the preposition “by,” as in “intrigued by the old photograph,” and it conveys a desire to learn more, often because a person or thing does not immediately reveal its significance. The related verb describes what causes this response: a strange sound or an unexpected discovery can intrigue an audience. The word comes from “intrigue,” which originally referred to a plot or scheme and later came to mean a powerfuI attraction. Although “intrigued” often implies strong interest, it generally remains less intense than words such as “fascinated” or “captivated,” while still suggesting more than simple curiosity.
Feeling strong curiosity or interest in someone or something, especially because they seem mysterious or unusual.
"The historian was intrigued by the unexplained change in the manuscript."
Often used with “by” or “with” to identify the source of the curiosity.
To arouse strong curiosity or interest in someone.
"The mysterious letter intrigued everyone in the office."
Usually used in the passive construction, as in “She was intrigued by the proposal.”
Curiosity has its own verb: to be intrigued is to let a mystery pull you in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intrigued come from?
The word comes through French from the Latin “intrigare,” meaning “to weave intricate plots” or “to entangle.” The English noun “intrigue” developed from the idea of a complicated plot to mean a mysterious or compelling attraction, and the related adjective and verb “intriguing” and “intrigue” developed from that meaning. “Intrigued” is the past participle and adjectival form of “intrigue.”
Related word forms
How intrigued is actually used
The adjective is commonly followed by “by” or “with”: “intrigued by the puzzle” or “intrigued with the design.” It generally suggests curiosity or fascination rather than deep emotional attachment.
Easily confused with intrigued
As an adjective, “intrigued” describes a person who feels interested or curious; as a verb, it describes something that arouses that interest.
“Intrigued” means interested and curious, whereas “involved” means actively participating in or connected with something.