quizzical

quizzical [kwiz-i-kuh l] ExamplesWord Origin adjective

1. odd, queer, or comical.
2. questioning or puzzled: a quizzical expression on her face.
3. 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.

Within the Law

Marvin Dana

“About ten thousand,” his neighbour answered, glancing at him quizzically.

The Foolish Lovers

St. John G. Ervine

He was looking at her quizzically, but with the liveliest appreciation.

Alice Adams

Booth Tarkington

“Maybe I hadn’t better come any more,” she said quizzically.

The Vagrant Duke

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

1. 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.