quizzical [kwiz-i-kuh l] ExamplesWord Origin adjective
- odd, queer, or comical.
- questioning or puzzled: a quizzical expression on her face.
- derisively questioning, ridiculing, or chaffing.
Origin of quizzical First recorded in 1790–1800; quiz + -ical Related formsquiz·zi·cal·i·ty, quiz·zi·cal·ness, nounquiz·zi·cal·ly, adverbun·quiz·zi·cal, adjectiveun·quiz·zi·cal·ly, adverb Examples from the Web for quizzically Contemporary Examples of quizzically
She looked at me quizzically, and, with equal confusion, I shrugged.
The Extinction Parade: An Original Zombie Story by Max Brooks
Max Brooks
January 14, 2011
Historical Examples of quizzically
So, he avoided her eyes as she stood by the window regarding him quizzically.
Marvin Dana
“About ten thousand,” his neighbour answered, glancing at him quizzically.
St. John G. Ervine
He was looking at her quizzically, but with the liveliest appreciation.
Booth Tarkington
“Maybe I hadn’t better come any more,” she said quizzically.
George Gibbs
“These are not the men who want to do something for Ireland,” said the other, quizzically.
The Bramleighs Of Bishop’s Folly
Charles James Lever
British Dictionary definitions for quizzically quizzical adjective
- questioning and mocking or superciliousa quizzical look
Derived Formsquizzicality, nounquizzically, adverb Word Origin and History for quizzically quizzical adj.
1789, from quiz “odd or eccentric person” (1782), of unknown origin (see quiz (n.)) + -ical. Related: Quizzically.