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Nonplussing: meaning, definitions and examples

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nonplussing

 

[ nɒnˈplʌsɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

surprise, confuse

To nonplus someone is to leave them perplexed or bewildered, often due to an unexpected situation or question. It indicates a feeling of being at a loss for words or action.

Synonyms

bewilder, confound, perplex, puzzle

Examples of usage

  • The magician’s trick nonplussed the audience.
  • Her sudden departure nonplussed her friends.
  • He felt nonplussed by the ambiguous answer.
  • The complicated instructions nonplussed the new recruits.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonplussing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desconcertante

🇮🇳 अचंभित करने वाला

🇩🇪 verwirrend

🇮🇩 membingungkan

🇺🇦 збентеження

🇵🇱 zaskakujący

🇯🇵 困惑させる

🇫🇷 déconcertant

🇪🇸 desconcertante

🇹🇷 şaşırtıcı

🇰🇷 당황하게 하는

🇸🇦 مربك

🇨🇿 zmatený

🇸🇰 zmätený

🇨🇳 令人困惑的

🇸🇮 zmedeno

🇮🇸 rugla

🇰🇿 шатасу

🇬🇪 აბნეული

🇦🇿 şaşılmaq

🇲🇽 desconcertante

Etymology

The word 'nonplussed' originates from the Latin phrase 'non plus', meaning 'no more'. This phrase was used in English from the 17th century, commonly denoting a state of being perplexed or at a loss. Historically, it has been applied in contexts where individuals find themselves unable to respond due to surprise or confusion. Over time, 'nonplussed' took on various forms in English literature, often embodied in comedic or dramatic scenarios where characters confront unexpected or absurd situations. Its usage has evolved, leading some to employ it as a synonym for 'unfazed' or 'unperturbed', although traditionally, the term retains its essence of bewilderment and confusion, particularly in formal or literary contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,515, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.