Many people frequently look up the definitions of English words and phrases to enhance their understanding. However, due to a lack of knowledge about their exact meanings or origins, they sometimes misuse common words, resulting in occasional spelling mistakes. This article seeks to clarify the term “nonplussed” by offering information on its correct spelling, historical background, and example sentences.
Definition of “nonplussed”
“Nonplussed” is an adjective that means to be so surprised and confused that one is unsure how to react. It describes a state of bewilderment or perplexity, often leaving a person momentarily speechless or uncertain. Furthermore, you can use the word in an informal context in North America. In this case, “nonplussed” means to be unperturbed or not disconcerted.
Use of “nonplussed” in a sentence
“Nonplussed” is used as an adjective in a sentence. It describes a state of surprise and confusion to the point of not knowing how to react. Thus, the antonym of feeling “nonplussed” would be feeling “unfazed.”
Examples
- He was nonplussed by the sudden change in plans.
- The students were nonplussed by the teacher’s unexpected question.
- She looked nonplussed when she received the strange gift.
How to spell “nonplussed” correctly
The only correct spelling of the adjective “nonplussed” is “N-O-N-P-L-U-S-S-E-D” with two “s”, an “-ed” at the end, and written as one. “Nonplussed” is often misspelled due to its somewhat archaic and less commonly used nature, leading to unfamiliarity with its correct spelling. Additionally, the double “s” can be confusing, and people might simplify it incorrectly.
The word is derived from the Latin phrase “non plus” and is made up of two words meaning the following.
- “Non” – Latin adverb that translates to “not”
- “Plus” – Latin adjective that translate to “more”
Therefore, “non plus” literally means “no more,” indicating a state of being so confused that one can do no more or proceed no further.
Correct spelling
nonplussed
Wrong spelling
nonplused
nonplus
non-plussed
Synonyms for “nonplussed”
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms for “nonplussed” can enhance communication, reduce repetition and redundancy, tailor language for different audiences or contexts, and introduce stylistic variety to your writing.
| Synonym | Example |
| Baffled | The detective was nonplussed by the lack of evidence at the crime scene. |
| The detective was baffled by the lack of evidence at the crime scene. | |
| Confounded | He was nonplussed by the unexpected results of the experiment. |
| He was confounded by the unexpected results of the experiment. | |
| Perplexed | She was nonplussed by the complex instructions in the manual. |
| She was perplexed by the complex instructions in the manual. |
FAQs
When somebody is “nonplussed,” they are so surprised and confused that they are unsure how to react.
Instead of “nonplussed,” you can write “baffled,” “perplexed,” or “confounded.”
The opposite of feeling “nonplussed” is feeling “composed” or “unfazed.”
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