12

Example:

A: Hey, do you like to do bungee jumping?

B: Um, OK. Haven't done it before, but let's try it.

I'm not looking for adventurous or something similar. That word should also fit in less action-packed activities:

A: I have a new board game. Do you like to play?

B: I don't know this game and, actually, I don't like these varieties of games but I'll play. Maybe it's fun.

First I thought about open-minded but I think this means more willing to listen to people, think about their ideas, arguments, ... and accept them (not necessarily agree).

What word describes person who is willing to try activities he doesn't know or hasn't experienced before?

1
  • 1
    "Open-minded" usually means willing to listen to competing ideas, as in philosophical, political, religious, etc, as opposed to trying a new sport. (Well, many people seem to use "open-minded" to mean "agrees with me" and "close-minded" to mean "disagrees with me", but that's another story.)
    – Jay
    Commented Mar 22, 2012 at 16:56

7 Answers 7

18

To be adventurous is to be willing to try new things (not necessarily action-packed).

2
  • Indeed. I thought I was adventurous when I ate frog for the first time. Commented Mar 22, 2012 at 11:52
  • 2
    Some say adventurous, others say foolhardy.
    – GEdgar
    Commented Mar 22, 2012 at 14:39
14

A slightly obscure alternative: Neophile

11

Uninhibited often is used in the sense you ask for. Near-synonyms include unrestrained, unchecked, uncontrolled, unfettered, free, unbound, unconstrained, wild or unruly, unbridled, boundless, limitless, unstultified.

Regarding adventurous I prefer form venturesome (or perhaps adventuresome) but the meaning is nearly the same.

Also consider audacious (in senses "Disposed to venture or take risks" or daring) and dauntless (with its several "fearless, intrepid, bold, audacious" senses).

9

In a less formal context, game is sometimes used as an adjective to mean "willing to do something, esp something different, new, or slightly dangerous"

1
  • 2
    +1 I think this is the best answer, particularly given the question's emphasis on applicability to less action-packed activities. I don't think its use needs to be restricted to less formal contexts though.
    – Ergwun
    Commented Mar 23, 2012 at 2:02
4

Openness to experience is a term used in the Five Factor Model of personality. Based on this, I use the term open to experience or simply open.

2

Philoneism an excessive love of novelty.

0

Inquisitive might be an alternative.

1
  • 1
    Don't know why someone already downvoted this answer (perhaps because it has two different meanings, one of which is considered disapproving), but I think this is a good suggestion.
    – Em1
    Commented Dec 17, 2014 at 11:51

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.