quiz

UK: kwɪz | US: kwɪz

Definition
  1. n. a short test or game to check knowledge or understanding

  2. vt. to question someone closely or test their knowledge

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "quiz" first appeared in the late 18th century, but its origins remain debated. One popular (though likely apocryphal) story claims it was coined by a Dublin theater manager who bet he could introduce a nonsense word into the language overnight—writing "quiz" on walls across the city. Linguists suggest it may derive from Latin qui es? ("who are you?"), a question posed in oral exams, or from "inquisitive." Its abrupt, playful sound and lack of clear roots make it a linguistic curiosity.

Examples
  1. The teacher gave a pop quiz on yesterday’s lecture.

  2. She aced the geography quiz without studying.

  3. The game show host quizzed contestants about famous inventors.

  4. We spent the evening quizzing each other for the exam.

  5. His friends playfully quizzed him about his new hobby.