Nonplussed: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
nonplussed
[ nษnหplสst ]
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:
๐ต๐น confuso
๐ฎ๐ณ เคนเฅเคฐเคพเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช verwirrt
๐ฎ๐ฉ bingung
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฐะฟะปััะฐะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ zmieszany
๐ฏ๐ต ๆธๆใฃใ
๐ซ๐ท dรฉconcertรฉ
๐ช๐ธ perplejo
๐น๐ท ลaลฤฑrmฤฑล
๐ฐ๐ท ์ด๋ฆฌ๋ฅ์ ํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุฑุชุจู
๐จ๐ฟ zmatenรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ zmรคtenรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๅฐๆ็
๐ธ๐ฎ zmeden
๐ฎ๐ธ ruglaรฐur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐาฃััาะฐาะฐะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ แแแแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ tษษccรผblรผ
๐ฒ๐ฝ perplejo
Word origin
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.
- ...
- 30736 hodgepodge
- 30737 winging
- 30738 extricating
- 30739 nonplussed
- 30740 spermatozoon
- 30741 imbalanced
- 30742 befitted
- ...