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Nonplussed: meaning, definitions and examples

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nonplussed

 

[ nษ’nหˆplสŒst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

state of confusion

Nonplussed describes a state of being perplexed or bewildered to the point of being unsure how to respond or act. This word often implies that someone is caught off guard by unexpected circumstances, leading to a moment of stunned silence or hesitation. The term can also suggest that a person feels overwhelmed by information or situations that are outside their control. As a result, they may struggle to find an appropriate reaction or decision.

Synonyms

bewildered, confused, dazed, perplexed, stunned

Examples of usage

  • She was nonplussed by the sudden change in plans.
  • He stood nonplussed when he saw the surprise party.
  • The unexpected question left the panel nonplussed.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonplussed" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น confuso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเฅˆเคฐเคพเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช verwirrt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bingung

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐะฟะปัƒั‚ะฐะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zmieszany

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆˆธๆƒ‘ใฃใŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉconcertรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ perplejo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸaลŸฤฑrmฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์–ด๋ฆฌ๋‘ฅ์ ˆํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฑุชุจูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zmatenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zmรคtenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ›ฐๆƒ‘็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zmeden

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ ruglaรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐาฃั‹ั€า›ะฐา“ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ™แƒ•แƒ˜แƒ แƒ•แƒ”แƒ‘แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™ษ™ccรผblรผ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ perplejo

Etymology

The word 'nonplussed' traces its origins to the Latin word 'non' meaning 'not' and 'plere' meaning 'to fill.' The term emerged in the English language around the mid-19th century. Initially, it was used to describe a state of being at a loss for words or in a situation of uncertainty, effectively indicating that one is not filled with understanding or clarity. Over time, the usage of nonplussed has evolved, particularly in American English, where it started to take on a more general meaning of being bewildered or confused. There are instances where it is misused to mean 'unfazed' or 'unperturbed', contrary to its original definition. Despite the variations in usage, the core meaning of confusion and surprise remains integral to its definition.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,739 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.