nonplussed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //nɒnˈplʌst//
KK: /nɑnˈplʌst/
adjective
Definition
Feeling confused or unsure about how to react to something unexpected.
Example
She was nonplussed by the sudden change in plans.
Conversation
Did you see how he reacted to the surprise party?
Yeah, he looked completely nonplussed at first!
I thought he would be more excited, honestly.
Same here! It's like he didn't know how to respond.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bewildered
perplexed
unfazed
Antonyms
unaffected
impressed
calm
verb
Definition
To be confused or unsure about what to do; to be perplexed or bewildered.
Example
She was nonplussed by the unexpected question during the interview.
Tense Forms
Past: nonplussed
Past Participle: nonplussed
Conversation
I was so surprised by his reaction to the news.
Really? I thought he would be more excited.
No, he seemed completely nonplussed by it all.
Root Explanation
Nonplussed → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "plussed" (from the past participle of "pluss" which is derived from the Latin "plere", meaning to fill). The word originally described a state of being not filled with understanding or being perplexed.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'not' ('non-') filled with understanding — that's why nonplussed means to be confused or perplexed.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.