Quizzical: meaning, definitions and examples
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quizzical
[ ˈkwɪzɪkəl ]
facial expression
Quizzical describes a look of puzzlement or disbelief, often conveying curiosity or amusement. It can indicate a sense of irony or questioning, as if the person is unsure about something that seems strange or unexpected.
Synonyms
inquisitive, perplexed, puzzled, skeptical.
Examples of usage
- She gave him a quizzical look when he made the unusual suggestion.
- His quizzical expression showed that he didn't understand the joke.
- The child's quizzical gaze suggested he was deep in thought.
- With a quizzical smile, she asked if he was serious.
Translations
Translations of the word "quizzical" in other languages:
🇵🇹 perplexo
- curioso
- irônico
🇮🇳 अजीब
- पूछताछ करने वाला
- मजाकिया
🇩🇪 verwirrt
- fragend
- ironisch
🇮🇩 bingung
- penasaran
- sarkastis
🇺🇦 дослідницький
- дивний
- іронічний
🇵🇱 zdziwiony
- ciekawski
- ironiczny
🇯🇵 不思議な (fushigi na)
- 疑問に思う (gimon ni omou)
- 皮肉な (hiniku na)
🇫🇷 quizzique
- curieux
- ironique
🇪🇸 inquietante
- curioso
- irónico
🇹🇷 şaşkın
- meraklı
- alaycı
🇰🇷 당황스러운 (danghwangseureoun)
- 궁금한 (gunggeumhan)
- 비꼬는 (bikkoneun)
🇸🇦 مُفاجئ (mufaja)
- فضولي (fuzuli)
- ساخر (sakhir)
🇨🇿 zvědavý
- podivný
- ironický
🇸🇰 zvedavý
- podivný
- ironický
🇨🇳 困惑的 (kùnhuò de)
- 好奇的 (hàoqí de)
- 讽刺的 (fěngcì de)
🇸🇮 zbegan
- radoveden
- ironičen
🇮🇸 furðulegur
- forvitinn
- ádeilandi
🇰🇿 таңғажайып
- қызық
- ирониялық
🇬🇪 უცნაური (utsnauri)
- ინტერესიანი (interesiani)
- ირონიული (ironiuli)
🇦🇿 təhqiqat
- qəribə
- ironiya
🇲🇽 curioso
- extraño
- irónico
Etymology
The word 'quizzical' originates from the late 18th century and is believed to be derived from a combination of the word 'quiz', which means to question or interrogate, and the suffix '-ical', indicating a characteristic or relating to. The roots of 'quiz' can be traced back to the late 1700s, possibly linked to a play on words involving the act of questioning someone, often in a teasing or challenging manner. Over time, 'quizzical' evolved to describe not just the act of questioning but also the associated expressions and attitudes, particularly those that convey a sense of puzzlement or bemusement. Its meanings have encompassed both humorous and serious contexts, making it a versatile term in the English language.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #27,429, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 27426 ridiculing
- 27427 metallurgist
- 27428 daemon
- 27429 quizzical
- 27430 pleasantry
- 27431 salvo
- 27432 burgher
- ...