nonplussed — confused and uncertain about how to respond or what to do
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: confused and uncertain about how to respond or what to do
Pronunciation (IPA): /nɑnˈplʌst/
Example Sentences
- The teacher was nonplussed when the student asked why fish don't drown.
- He stood there nonplussed, holding the IKEA instruction manual upside down.
- The CEO was visibly nonplussed by the unexpected question from the intern.
nonplussed
ADJECTIVE[/nɑnˈplʌst/]
confused and uncertain about how to respond or what to do
While the presenter confidently answered the first three questions, the little boy's bizarre dinosaur question left him completely nonplussed.
NON (no) + PLUS (more) — realizing that he had absolutely no more moves left, the grandmaster sat there completely nonplussed. (NONPLUS → NON (no more) + PLUS (more))
Waiting politely for the morning bus, only to watch it speed past and splash mud on us, the rude incident left the commuters completely nonplussed.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'non plus' meaning 'no more' or 'no further,' originally used in the phrase 'non plus ultra' (nothing beyond). The term described a state where one could proceed no further, eventually developing into the meaning of being confused or puzzled.
Breakdown
non- (not/no) + plus (more/further) + -ed (past participle ending)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher was nonplussed when the student asked why fish don't drown.”
“He stood there nonplussed, holding the IKEA instruction manual upside down.”
“The CEO was visibly nonplussed by the unexpected question from the intern.”
“I was completely nonplussed when my GPS told me to turn left into a lake.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.