quizzical etymology

Etymology:

The word "quizzical" comes from the Late Latin term "quaestio," which means "question" or "inquiry."

Meaning:

• Expressing or showing curiosity or puzzlement
• Questioning or skeptical
• Humorous or wry

Origin:

• 1580s: Initially used as an adjective to describe a person or their expression as "inquiring" or "questioning."
• 1600s: Extended to describe something as "doubtful" or "uncertain."
• 1800s: Began to be used in a more humorous or playful sense, implying amusement or surprise.

Usage:

• "She gave me a quizzical look, as if she didn't quite believe me."
• "The quizzical tone in his voice suggested he had doubts about my plan."
• "The movie's ending was quizzical, leaving the audience wondering what had happened."

Examples in Literature:

• "His quizzical smile seemed to ask, 'Are you sure about this?'" - Jane Austen, "Pride and Prejudice"
• "The waiter cast a quizzical glance at me, as if to say, 'What's going on here?'" - Charles Dickens, "Great Expectations"
• "The child's quizzical eyes sparkled with curiosity and mischief." - Mark Twain, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"

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