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SAT 12 (Scholastic Assessment Test)

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Confusion and Misunderstanding

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Puzzlement and Perplexity

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nonplussed

Nonplussed (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/nɒnˈplʌst/

What does nonplussed mean?

Confusion or bewilderment, often resulting from unexpected or confusing circumstances.
"The professor was nonplussed when the student asked a completely off-topic question."

Detailed Meaning of Nonplussed

When someone is nonplussed, they are typically at a loss for words or uncertain about how to react to a particular situation. It can also be used to describe a feeling of being surprised or stunned into silence. Despite its negative connotations, being nonplussed does not necessarily indicate a negative emotion, but rather a lack of clarity or understanding in the face of something unexpected.

Example Sentences for Nonplussed

1. I was completely nonplussed when I heard the news of his sudden resignation.
2. The team was nonplussed by the unexpected change in the game's rules.
3. She looked nonplussed when she realized she had lost her wallet.
4. The politician was nonplussed by the tough questions from the press.
5. He was nonplussed by the complexity of the math problem.
6. The audience was nonplussed when the comedian's jokes fell flat.

Origin and Etymology of Nonplussed

The adjective 'nonplussed' has an interesting etymology that reflects its meaning of confusion or bewilderment. It originated in the 16th century from the Latin phrase 'non plus,' which translates to 'no more' or 'no further.' In Latin, 'non' means 'not,' and 'plus' means 'more.' When people used 'non plus' in English, it initially meant being at a loss or unable to proceed because there was 'no more' to be said or done, often due to unexpected or perplexing circumstances. Over time, this phrase evolved into the single word 'nonplussed,' and its meaning broadened to describe a state of confusion or bewilderment. When someone is 'nonplussed,' they are so surprised or confused that they find themselves momentarily unable to respond or comprehend the situation, much like reaching the point where there is 'no more' to say or do.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective nonplussed:

certain

clear

unconfused

perplexed

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Nonplussed

1. The manager was nonplussed by the employee's sudden outburst.
2. The actor was nonplussed by the director's sudden change in the script.
3. She was nonplussed when she saw the bill for her meal at the fancy restaurant.
4. The doctor was nonplussed by the patient's rare medical condition.
5. The lawyer was nonplussed when the judge ruled against his argument.
6. The unexpected turn of events left her utterly nonplussed, unable to make sense of the chaos.
7. The enigmatic smile on his face left me feeling nonplussed, wondering what he knew that I didn't.
8. When faced with the complex mathematical problem, the students appeared nonplussed and perplexed.
9. The sudden appearance of the ghostly figure left the witnesses nonplussed and speechless.
10. The intricacies of the legal case left even the seasoned lawyers nonplussed at times.
11. The bizarre behavior of the wild animal in the jungle had the expedition members nonplussed.
12. The contradictory statements made by the suspects left the detective nonplussed about the truth.
13. The intricate patterns in the ancient tapestry left art historians nonplussed, trying to decode their meaning.
14. The malfunctioning computer left the technician nonplussed as he tried to diagnose the issue.
15. The unexpected revelation in the mystery novel left readers nonplussed and eager to read on.
16. The cryptic message left by the anonymous sender had recipients feeling nonplussed.
17. The surreal dreams she had been having left her nonplussed, questioning their significance.
18. The sudden change in weather left the hikers nonplussed, unprepared for the storm.
19. The complicated scientific theory left the audience nonplussed, struggling to grasp its implications.
20. The unexpected visitor at their door left the family nonplussed, as they weren't expecting anyone.
21. The intricate dance routine left the novice dancers nonplussed, practicing tirelessly to perfect it.
22. The surreal artwork left gallery visitors nonplussed, with interpretations varying widely.
23. The contradictory instructions left the team nonplussed, unsure of the next steps.
24. The complex code left programmers nonplussed, working late into the night to debug it.
25. The malfunctioning spaceship had the astronauts feeling nonplussed in the vastness of space.