nonplus
/'nɔn'plʌs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To cause someone to be so puzzled or confused that they are at a complete loss for what to do, think, or say.
- To perplex or bewilder someone to the point of speechlessness or inaction.
Usage
- Verb (transitive): The verb "nonplus" is used with a direct object (a person or group of people). It describes the action of causing extreme perplexity.
- The complex riddle completely nonplussed the contestants.
- Her sudden and unexpected resignation nonplussed her colleagues.
Examples
- The magician's final trick nonplussed the entire audience; no one could figure out how it was done.
- I was utterly nonplussed by his hostile reaction to my simple suggestion.
- The professor's obscure question nonplussed even the most prepared students in the class.
Advanced Usage
- Past Participle as Adjective: The past participle "nonplussed" is frequently used as an adjective to describe a state of bewilderment.
- She wore a nonplussed expression when she saw the strange package on her desk.
- The nonplussed detective stared at the clue, unable to form a theory.
Variants and Related Words
- Nonplussed (adj): Filled with bewilderment; perplexed. (Note: In some modern, chiefly North American usage, it can also colloquially mean unperturbed or unfazed, but the traditional meaning is "perplexed.")
- Nonplussing (adj): Causing bewilderment.
Synonyms
- Baffle: To confuse someone completely.
- Bewilder: To cause someone to become perplexed and confused.
- Perplex: To make someone feel completely puzzled.
- Flummox: (Informal) To perplex greatly; confuse.
- Stump: To be too difficult for someone to solve or answer.
Antonyms
- Enlighten: To give someone greater knowledge or understanding.
- Clarify: To make a statement or situation clear and understandable.
- Reassure: To say or do something to remove someone's doubts or fears.
Verb
- be a mystery or bewildering to
- This beats me!
- Got me--I don't know the answer!
- a vexing problem
- This question really stuck me