Nonplussed
/nɒnˈplʌst/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Nonplussed describes a state where a person feels so surprised or confused that they do not know what to do or say. It often happens when something unexpected or strange occurs, leaving someone unsure how to respond.
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See It in Action
Feeling confused and unsure how to respond
- •She was nonplussed when her friends threw a surprise party for her.
- •The unexpected question left him nonplussed during the interview.
- •He looked nonplussed after hearing the strange explanation.
(Less common, mainly in North American English) Feeling unfazed or unbothered
- •Despite the criticism, she remained nonplussed and calm.
- •He was nonplussed by the loud noise outside.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'nonplussed' like 'confused,' but much stronger—you are not just a little confused, you are completely stuck and unsure what to do.
- ✓Picture a person suddenly hearing strange news and freezing, with their mouth open and eyes wide, not knowing what to say.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when something surprises you so much that your brain stops working for a moment.
- ✓Sounds like 'non-PLUST' → imagine a plus sign (+) that suddenly disappears, leaving you with nothing to add or say.
- ✓Think of a character in a movie who hears shocking news and stands still, speechless and confused.
- ✓NOT like 'puzzled' (which means slightly confused), 'nonplussed' means you are almost shocked and unable to react.
- ✓NOT like 'surprised' alone, because nonplussed includes confusion and being unsure what to do next.
Try Other Words
- •Bewildered: feeling very confused and lost (Use when the confusion is strong and a bit overwhelming)
- •Perplexed: feeling puzzled and unsure what to do (Use when the situation is complex and hard to understand)
- •Stunned: shocked and unable to react (Use when the surprise is sudden and strong)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'non-' (not) + 'plussed' (from 'plussed,' meaning to be at a loss or puzzled)
- •Etymology: From Latin roots through Old French and English, originally meaning to be at a loss or confused
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 16th century to mean being confused or bewildered
- •Modern usage: Mainly means very surprised and confused; in some places, it can also mean calm and not bothered, but this is less common today
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you felt nonplussed? What happened and how did you react?
•How does feeling nonplussed differ from just being surprised or confused?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was nonplussed because the news was so ___ and unexpected that she didn’t know what to say.
2.When he heard the strange question, he looked nonplussed and ___ for a moment.
3.Nonplussed is stronger than confused because it shows you are not only puzzled but also ___ what to do next.
4.The teacher’s sudden change of plans left the students nonplussed and ___.
5.Unlike being calm, nonplussed means feeling ___ and unsure.
6.Sometimes, people feel nonplussed when they receive ___ information that does not make sense.
7.If someone is nonplussed, they usually ___ react quickly or clearly.