adjective
arch
Playfully teasing in a knowing way.
She gives him an arch smile after spotting the hidden gift.
Etymology
Greek arkhos means a chief or ruler. The related English prefix marked someone as outstanding in a category, including mischief; the independent adjective came to describe knowing, mischievous playfulness.
More examples
- His arch remark made the guests laugh.
- There was an arch tone in her polite question.
- The actor delivered the line with an arch glance at the audience.
Forms
arch
Similar words
- mischievous
- Broader; need not convey knowing, playful irony.
- wry
- Suggests dry irony rather than knowing playful teasing.