Nonplusing: meaning, definitions and examples

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nonplusing

 

[ nɒnˈplʌsɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

expressing confusion

Nonplusing refers to the act of being perplexed or unsure how to respond. When someone is nonplussed, they are often at a loss for words or unable to react due to surprise or confusion.

Synonyms

bewilder, confound, puzzle

Examples of usage

  • She was completely nonplussed by the unexpected news.
  • His strange behavior left everyone nonplussed.
  • I was nonplussed when I found out the truth.
  • The complicated instructions left me nonplussed.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonplusing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desconcertante

🇮🇳 भ्रमित

🇩🇪 verwirrend

🇮🇩 bingung

🇺🇦 збентежений

🇵🇱 zdezorientowany

🇯🇵 戸惑い

🇫🇷 déconcertant

🇪🇸 desconcertante

🇹🇷 şaşırtıcı

🇰🇷 혼란스러운

🇸🇦 مرتبك

🇨🇿 zmatený

🇸🇰 zmätený

🇨🇳 困惑

🇸🇮 zmedeno

🇮🇸 ringla

🇰🇿 толғанған

🇬🇪 გართულებული

🇦🇿 çaşqın

🇲🇽 desconcertante

Etymology

The word 'nonplusing' derives from the Latin phrase 'non plus', meaning 'no more' or 'not any more'. It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe a state of being flummoxed or confounded. The phrase gained traction due to literary works that showcased characters rendered speechless or confused by unexpected situations. Over time, 'nonplussed' evolved in popular usage to denote a heightened sense of bewilderment, often in situations that defy rational explanation or expectation. Its connotation has maintained a semantic connection to surprise and confusion, illustrating the challenges humans face when confronting the unpredictable aspects of life.