nonplussed
non-PLUST
/ˌnɒnˈplʌst/
So surprised and bewildered that one is unsure how to react, act, or respond.
Refers strictly to being rendered mute or motionless by utter surprise. (Note: standard usage means stunned, not unimpressed).
The story behind the word. Borrowed from the Latin phrase 'non plus', meaning 'no further'. In debate or conversation, when you reached a point of 'non plus', you could take no further steps or offer no further words.
Word relationships
- dumbfounded: Dumbfounded focuses on speechlessness due to shock, whereas nonplussed emphasizes complete paralysis of response.
- unruffled: Unruffled means remaining completely calm and poised.
Commonly confused with
- nonchalant: Nonchalant means casually calm and unconcerned, which is the exact opposite of traditional nonplussed.
Word family
- nonplus (verb): To surprise and confuse so much that reaction is impossible.
Collocations
- left nonplussed
- rendered nonplussed
- completely nonplussed
Idioms & expressions
- at a loss for words
- struck dumb
Example sentences
- "When confronted with the sudden demand, the chief negotiator was left nonplussed and silent." Negotiation scene
- "He stood nonplussed for a moment, unable to comprehend the transformation that had occurred." Literary citation
Memory hook
Non-plus = no more words left to add. No further response possible.
When not to use
Do not use in standard writing to mean 'unbothered' or 'unimpressed', despite its growing informal misuse.
Fun facts
- In modern American English, 'nonplussed' is frequently misused to mean the exact opposite (unbothered), making it a famous 'contronym' in evolving usage.
Related words
Explore more words
nonplus, dumbfound, speechless, consternation, stun, gobsmacked
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