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/
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

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
Sign up free to see all content
Etymology, AI images, rhymes, collocations & examples — all in one!
Start for Free🎤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.
Sign up free to see all content
Etymology, AI images, rhymes, collocations & examples — all in one!
Start for Free🎵Rhyme
Sign up free to see all content
Etymology, AI images, rhymes, collocations & examples — all in one!
Start for Free📝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.”
Sign up free to see all content
Etymology, AI images, rhymes, collocations & examples — all in one!
Start for Free