nonplussed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Filled with bewilderment; perplexed: The state of being so surprised or confused by something that one is unsure how to react or what to think.
- At a loss; puzzled: Unable to understand or explain a situation, often leading to speechlessness or inaction.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The sudden and contradictory instructions left the entire team nonplussed.
- She was completely nonplussed by his unexpected and generous offer.
- The professor's complex question nonplussed even the most advanced students in the class.
Advanced Usage
- To be nonplussed by/at something: This is the standard construction to indicate the cause of the confusion.
- The judges were nonplussed by the contestant's bizarre performance.
- He was nonplussed at the sudden change in the meeting's agenda.
Variants and Related Words
- Nonplus (verb): To cause to be at a loss as to what to think, say, or do; to perplex.
- The strange riddle nonplussed the detective for hours.
- Nonplussing / Nonplusing (adjective): Causing bewilderment or perplexity.
- It was a nonplussing turn of events.
Synonyms
- Perplexed: Confused or puzzled.
- Baffled: Totally bewildered or perplexed.
- Flummoxed: Greatly perplexed.
- Bewildered: Completely confused or puzzled.
Notes on Meaning and Usage
- Important Distinction: In modern informal usage, particularly in North America, "nonplussed" is sometimes incorrectly used to mean "unperturbed" or "unfazed." However, in formal and traditional usage (as in WordNet and academic contexts), the correct meaning is "perplexed" or "bewildered." The examples and definitions provided here adhere to the traditional, formal meaning.
- The word describes a strong reaction where one's mental faculties are temporarily halted by surprise or confusion.
Adjective
- filled with bewilderment
- at a loss to understand those remarks
- puzzled that she left without saying goodbye