What does quizzed mean?
Quizzed is the past tense and past participle of quiz. Its common meaning is to test someone’s knowledge by asking them a series of questions, as a teacher might quiz pupils about a lesson or a quiz show might quiz contestants. It can also mean to question someone closely or persistently, often in an informal, challenging, or playful way. The word is used in both British and American English and is especially associated with education, examinations, games, and conversational challenges. Unlike a formal interview, a quiz is usually brief, energetic, and focused on eliciting quick responses. As a verb, quizzed is grammatically regular: its simple past is quizzed, and its -ing form is quizzing.
verbAsked someone a series of questions, especially as a test of their knowledge. It can also mean to question or examine someone closely.
- To ask someone a series of questions, especially as a test of knowledge.
- To question or examine someone closely, often in an informal or challenging way.
"The teacher quizzed the students on the lesson."
"The host quizzed the guests about their favorite books."
"She quizzed me about my reasons for taking the job."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quizzed come from?
The verb quiz is used in English for a short test or set of questions, and its earliest history is associated with the late 17th century. Its precise ultimate origin is not clear. The modern educational sense developed from the idea of questioning or testing someone, while the word also came to denote the test itself.
Related word forms
How quizzed is actually used
The word is common in informal and educational contexts. It often suggests an energetic exchange of questions rather than a lengthy, formal interview.