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nonplussedconfused 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/

Korean meaning: 당황한, 어리둥절한, 어떻게 반응해야 할지 모르는

Korean pronunciation: 넌**플러**스트

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

nonplussed concept
💡 Concept

a young waiter stands frozen holding multiple plates while staring blankly at a complex order ticket. His eyes are wide and his mouth slightly open as he looks back and forth between the ticket and the busy kitchen. The head chef points in three different directions while shouting instructions about various orders. Other kitchen staff rush around him carrying steaming dishes and calling out table numbers. The waiter's shoulders are raised in a helpless shrug as he remains completely still amid the frenetic activity. His facial expression shows total bewilderment as he clearly has no idea what to do next. someone being confused and uncertain about how to respond or what to do

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/nɑnˈplʌst/
🇬🇧 UK/nɒnˈplʌst/

🌳Etymology

Prefixnon--
Rootplus
Suffix--ed

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.

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🎵Rhyme

adjustedtrustedbusted
adjusted
trusted
busted

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📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The teacher was nonplussed when the student asked why fish don't drown.

😄 Fun example

He stood there nonplussed, holding the IKEA instruction manual upside down.

The CEO was visibly nonplussed by the unexpected question from the intern.

😄 Fun example

I was completely nonplussed when my GPS told me to turn left into a lake.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

bewilderedperplexedconfusedbaffledpuzzled

Antonyms

confidentcertaincomposed

Related

flummoxeddisconcertedstumpedmystified