Meaning & use
quizzically
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Meaning
adverbnot comparable
In a way that shows mild puzzlement or curious doubt, especially through a look or expression.
Grammar: Goes with verbs of looking or reacting: she looked at him quizzically.
Patterns
- look at someone quizzically
- raise an eyebrow quizzically
- smile quizzically
He tilted his head and looked at the strange box quizzically.
She raised one eyebrow quizzically when he said he'd forgotten the tickets.
The dog watched us quizzically as we packed the car.
Common combinations
- look quizzically
- The teacher looked quizzically at the blank page.
- eyebrow raised quizzically
- With an eyebrow raised quizzically, he waited for an explanation.
- glance quizzically
- She glanced quizzically at her friend.
- smile quizzically
- He smiled quizzically, unsure whether it was a joke.
- tilt your head quizzically
- The puppy tilted its head quizzically at the sound.
Synonyms and how they differ
- questioningly
- Questioningly is plainer and simply shows that a question is being asked, while quizzically adds a touch of amused puzzlement.
- curiously
- Curiously shows interest in learning something, whereas quizzically also hints that something seems odd.
- inquisitively
- Inquisitively shows a keen wish to find something out, while quizzically adds a hint of amused doubt.
- skeptically
- Skeptically shows doubt that something is true, but quizzically only shows mild uncertainty without disbelief.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: quizzically or questionably?
quizzically vs questionably
Questionably means in a way open to doubt or criticism; it describes things, not a puzzled look.
Practice
Which sentence uses quizzically correctly?
Choose one answer.
Quizzically describes a puzzled look or manner, so it fits looking at an odd note. It cannot describe taste, running or signing in the other sentences.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “quizzically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.