Quizzical

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkwɪzɪkəl/

Definitions

1. Expressing mild or amused puzzlement through facial expression or manner
2. Displaying a bemused or playful uncertainty regarding a situation or statement
3. Characterized by an amused or perplexed demeanor that suggests curiosity or questioning

Etymology: Quizzical began as a mocking word. The noun "quiz" first appeared in the late eighteenth century as slang for an odd, puzzling or absurd person or thing, and also meant a bantering or mocking remark. The adjective grew out of that sense: to be quizzical was to look as if you were the target of such mockery, or as if you found someone else an oddity worth teasing. The suffix is the plain part of the story. "-ical" is a common English adjective ending meaning "of or relating to," built from Latin "-icus" through Old French and Middle English, and attached here to the noun "quiz." Over time the mockery faded from the word, leaving the milder sense of looking puzzled or half-amused that it carries today.

Synonyms: puzzled, perplexed, inquisitive, curious, skeptical

Antonyms: certain, confident, unquestioning, assured, definite