The Plural of Quiz: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

If you have ever needed to use the plural form of Quiz and wondered what it is, you have come to the right place. This article will teach you all about the word quiz, the plural form of the word, the history and origin, synonyms, and examples of the word in context.

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What Is the Definition of Quiz?

The word Quiz is defined as:

  • an eccentric person
  • PRACTICAL JOKE
  • to make fun of: MOCK
  • to look at inquisitively
  • to question closely
  • the act or action of quizzing
    • specifically: a short oral or written test

Most people are more than familiar with the word quiz and the familiar sinking feeling you get when the professor adds pop to the bigging of it. A quiz can be a great way to practice things you have learned or getting knowledge from someone else. In a less familiar sense of the word to quiz, someone also means to mock them. 

What Is the Plural Form of Quiz?

The correct plural spelling of quiz is quizzing and quizzes — not quizes. You add in an extra consonant and a silent e at the end of the word with the suffix “zes.” Adding this makes it an irregular plural noun. For example: 

  • The teacher gives us spelling quizzes every day on our new sight words. 
  • The mean boy kept quizzing me. 

The History and Origin of the Word

The original use of the word quiz was a prank or joke at the expense of another person used in the 1840s until 1852 when it was used to to test knowledge in school. It is believed it is derived from the Latin word “qui es?” meaning “who are you?” 

Synonyms of Quiz

  • Harasser- EXHAUST, FATIGUE
    • I have been harassed with the toil of verse — William Wordsworth
    • to annoy persistently 
    • was harassing his younger brother
    • to create an unpleasant or hostile situation for especially by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct 
    • was being harassed by her classmates
    • claims that the police were unfairly harassing him
    • to worry and impede by repeated raids 
    • harassed the enemy
  • Heckler- one who heckles someone (such as a performer or speaker) usually by shouting criticisms or insults 
    • Instead of ignoring the trash-talking, [Joey] Votto decided to play with the hecklers. “I remember when you used to be good,” one fan shouted out. “I remember when you used to be thin,” Votto fired back. — Jimmy Traina
    • As is usual with us, we can’t remember any of the jokes well enough to tell them—only one reply made by a comedian, Professor Irwin Corey, to a heckler. “When your I.Q. reaches twenty-eight,” Corey told the man, “sell!” — The New Yorker
  • Mocker- to treat with contempt or ridicule: DERIDE
    • he has been mocked as a mama’s boy — C. P. Pierce
    • to disappoint the hopes of 
    • for any government to mock men’s hopes with mere words and promises and gestures— D. D. Eisenhower
    • DEFY, CHALLENGE
    • the unstable, strange new world of subatomic particles that mock all attempts at understanding — Philip Howard
    • to imitate (someone or something) closely: MIMIC
    • a mockingbird was mocking a cardinal — Nelson Hayes
    • to mimic in sport or derision 
    • followed the old man along the street mocking his gait
  • Prosecutor- to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict
    • specifically: to cause to suffer because of belief
    • to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (such as attacks, pleas, or importunities): PESTER
  • Quizzer- an eccentric person

Examples of the Word in Context

Summary

The English language can be a tricky thing since it is a compilation of many other languages. Finding the correct plural forms of words is an important step to becoming well educated. Now you are an expert on all things regarding quiz and are ready for your next English quiz. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quiz
  2. https://www.etymonline.com/word/quiz
  3. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a33838518/prince-harry-birthday-quiz-rugby-league-video/
  4. https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/26/cars/revel-mopeds-nyc-return/index.html
  5. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/eight-digital-education-resources-around-smithsonian-180974430/
  6. https://www.womansday.com/life/a30459216/jeopardy-goat-quiz-james-holzhauer-ken-jennings/
  7. https://people.com/home/see-inside-glee-star-becca-tobins-living-room-makeover-were-madly-in-love-with-this-house/
  8. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/courteney-cox-plays-friends-trivia-jimmy-kimmels-superfan-relative-1286791
  9. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2020/03/13/coronavirus-ohio-mason-educators-chart-how-students-learn/5041683002/
  10. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a32293114/get-crafty-with-these-amazing-classic-car-coloring-pages/
  11. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/florida-poll-with-biden-ahead-a-warning-sign-for-trump