quizzical
/'kwizikəl/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Showing mild or amused puzzlement: Expressing a state of being slightly confused, perplexed, or curious, often in a lighthearted or questioning way.
- Teasing or mocking in a playful way: Having a character that is gently and humorously questioning or ridiculing.
Usage and Examples
- Showing mild or amused puzzlement:
- She gave me a quizzical look when I mentioned the surprise.
- His quizzical expression suggested he didn't quite understand the joke.
- Teasing or mocking in a playful way:
- He raised a quizzical eyebrow at my outdated fashion choice.
- There was a quizzical, almost impertinent, tone in her voice.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "quizzical smile/glance/look": A very common collocation describing a facial expression that conveys questioning amusement.
- The teacher's quizzical glance made the student rethink his answer.
- Used to describe an attitude or atmosphere that is puzzling yet not hostile.
- The documentary left viewers in a quizzical state about the final outcome.
Variants and Related Words
- Quizzically (adverb): In a quizzical manner.
- He looked at me quizzically, waiting for an explanation.
Synonyms
- Quizzing (archaic adjective): Questioning.
- Inquisitive: Curious, questioning.
- Perplexed: Confused, puzzled.
- Mocking: Teasing, ridiculing (though "mocking" is often less playful than "quizzical").
Idioms and Phrases
- A quizzical air/manner: Describing a general demeanor of playful questioning or mild bewilderment.
- She listened to the strange proposal with a quizzical air.
Adjective
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perplexed (as if being expected to know something that you do not know)
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he had a quizzical expression
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playfully vexing (especially by ridicule)
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his face wore a somewhat quizzical almost impertinent air- Lawrence Durrell
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