quizzical — showing mild or amused puzzlement; slightly questioning or perplexed
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: showing mild or amused puzzlement; slightly questioning or perplexed
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkwɪzɪkəl/
Example Sentences
- My cat gave me a quizzical look when I started talking to my plant.
- The professor raised a quizzical eyebrow at my creative excuse for being late.
- She wore a quizzical expression as she tried to understand the new technology.
quizzical
ADJECTIVE[/ˈkwɪzɪkəl/]
showing mild or amused puzzlement; slightly questioning or perplexed
She gave him a quizzical look when he claimed he'd never eaten pizza.
Quizzical looks at mystical clues so critical
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from the noun 'quiz' (origin uncertain, possibly from Latin 'qui es' meaning 'who are you'), combined with the suffix '-ical' meaning 'relating to' or 'of the nature of'. The word emerged in the late 18th century to describe something resembling or characteristic of a quiz or puzzle.
Breakdown
quiz (a puzzling question or riddle) + -ical (adjective suffix meaning 'of or relating to') = quizzical (showing puzzlement or questioning)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat gave me a quizzical look when I started talking to my plant.”
“The professor raised a quizzical eyebrow at my creative excuse for being late.”
“She wore a quizzical expression as she tried to understand the new technology.”
“His quizzical smile suggested he didn't quite believe my story about meeting a celebrity.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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