Nonplused Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต
nonplused
[nษnหplสst ]
Definition
state of confusion
Nonplused refers to a state of being puzzled or confused, often to the point where one is unsure how to react or respond. It conveys a sense of bewilderment, typically because something unexpected has occurred. When people are nonplused, they may freeze in place, lost for words or action. This term is often used to describe a person who is momentarily taken aback by a situation that defies their expectations.
Synonyms
astonished, bewildered, confused, dumbfounded, perplexed.
Examples of usage
- She was nonplused by his unexpected question.
- The sudden change in plans left everyone nonplused.
- He looked nonplused when he heard the news.
- I was nonplused by the complexity of the explanation.
Translations
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Origin of 'nonplused'
The word 'nonplused' originates from the Latin word 'non plus', which means 'no more' or 'not more'. In the early 19th century, it began to be used in English to convey a sense of being at a standstill or being unable to proceed due to confusion or surprise. The term has evolved over time and is often used in informal contexts to describe someone who is at a loss for words or actions when faced with an unexpected situation. The adjectival form of the word is a little less common today, but its essence remains, capturing the bewildered reaction that people may have when they encounter something truly surprising or puzzling. Despite the evolution in usage, 'nonplused' still retains its core meaning of perplexity and confusion, often seen in literary and conversational contexts throughout the English language.