wry

Definition

Turned away, contorted (of the face or body).

Etymology

From Middle English wrien, from Old English wrīġian (“to go, turn, twist, bend, strive, struggle, press forward, endeavor, venture”), from Proto-Germanic *wrigōną (“to wriggle”), from Proto-Indo-European *wreyḱ- (“to turn, wrap, tie”), from *wer- (“to turn, bend”). Compare awry, wriggle.

Example Sentences

• "'"Why, you snivelling, wry-faced, puny villain," gasped old Lobbs."
• "“Humph! Had to,” said Pep with a wry grimace."
• ""[T]he master says a wry word now and then; and so ye let your spirits go down, don't ye see, and all sorts o' fancies comes into your head.""