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Glite Dictionary
quizzically

quizzically

4 6.8
In a way that shows mild amusement and confusion
  • adverb
  • /ˈkwɪzɪkli/
translation icon : con curiosidad
  • Well, what do you think, my dear?" Amelia asked, raising a brow quizzically as they walked in.
  • looked quizzically
  • eyebrow quizzically
  • smiled quizzically

Examples

  • While speaking, she lost the train of her thought several times and noticed students looking at her quizzically.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • The boy, legs still in motion, running in place, looked at him quizzically.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • "Do you know?" The dog regarded him quizzically, used to the question by now.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • Offer it to a three-year-old, and she or he may look quizzically at you and ask, "It's make believe, right?"

    Academic text (1992)

  • Besides, he tilted his head quizzically. How else can I repay you for what you did last year?

    Fiction book (2000)

  • "It's all in the timing," he replied again, tilting his head quizzically to one side.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • "You're sending me very funny signals, my Maria," he said, looking at her quizzically.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • You haven't been home, have you?" He gazed at her quizzically.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • "I won't!" She eyed him quizzically, shaking her head slowly.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • The cat tilted its head quizzically when it heard a strange noise in the garden.

Synonyms

curiously
vsquizzically
22 2.6

In a way that shows a strong wish to know or learn something

adds a playful puzzlement and mild amusement to that interest
questioningly
vsquizzically
3 3.3

In a way that shows doubt or a wish to know more

is more playful and adds mild amusement alongside curiosity
bemusedly
vsquizzically
1 7.0

In a puzzled and a little amused way as if lost in thought

includes an active questioning curiosity as well as mild amusement
puzzledly
vsquizzically
7.8

In a confused way when someone does not understand

adds mild amusement and an active questioning attitude to the confusion
perplexedly
vsquizzically
7.4

In a confused way, not sure what is happening

introduces mild amusement and a questioning, curious element to the feeling

Antonyms

seriously
∞ 1.6

In a way that shows you mean what you say

How Puzzled

bemusedly
1 7.0
quizzically
4 6.8

Surface Forms

quizzically positive
quizzicallyer comparative
quizzicallyest superlative

Morphology

quizzically = quizzical (semi-transparent) = quiz + ical + ly

Forming an adverb from an adjective with -ly is a regular and obvious derivation for learners.

Etymology

Quizzically comes from the everyday word quiz, a short test or a small 'question', plus the ending -ically which turns it into a word that describes how someone looks or acts. So, to look quizzically is to show a quiet question on your face, a mix of being puzzled, curious, or slightly amused.