Which word describes a dry humor or a face twisted into an expression of disgust, disappointment, or annoyance?

Which word describes a dry humor or a face twisted into an expression of disgust, disappointment, or annoyance?

• A. Rueful
• B. Wry
• C. Perfunctory
• D. Defray

Answer: (B)

A word that signals irony and understated amusement is the right fit here. Wry describes humor that is dry and subtly mocking, and a wry expression is a slight twist of the mouth that conveys skepticism, annoyance, or amused contempt. That combination directly matches both “dry humor” and “a face twisted into an expression of disgust, disappointment, or annoyance.” Rueful, while related to regret and a hint of irony, centers more on sorrow or remorse than on dry humor. Perfunctory describes something done without real care or interest, not a mood or facial expression. Defray is about paying costs, which is unrelated to mood or expression.

A word that signals irony and understated amusement is the right fit here. Wry describes humor that is dry and subtly mocking, and a wry expression is a slight twist of the mouth that conveys skepticism, annoyance, or amused contempt. That combination directly matches both “dry humor” and “a face twisted into an expression of disgust, disappointment, or annoyance.”

Rueful, while related to regret and a hint of irony, centers more on sorrow or remorse than on dry humor. Perfunctory describes something done without real care or interest, not a mood or facial expression. Defray is about paying costs, which is unrelated to mood or expression.