nonplus
C1/C2Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
to cause someone to be so surprised or confused that they are unsure how to react.
A state of being so perplexed or astonished that one is at a complete loss for words or actions; to be utterly bewildered.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in the passive voice (e.g., 'I was nonplussed'). Note that in informal American usage, it can be misinterpreted to mean 'unfazed' or 'unimpressed,' though this is considered non-standard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it retains its traditional meaning of being perplexed. In some informal US usage, there is a trend to use it to mean 'unperturbed' or 'not bothered,' though dictionaries and careful speakers reject this.
Connotations
Traditionally, it implies a strong, almost speechless, state of confusion. The emergent US connotation (unimpressed) flips the emotional polarity.
Frequency
More common in written, formal English in both varieties. The non-standard usage is heard occasionally in informal American speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SVO] The question nonplussed the expert.[SV] He nonplussed for a moment.[BE V-ed] She was nonplussed by the accusation.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at a nonplus (archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The sudden market shift left the analysts nonplussed.'
Academic
Formal writing. 'The anomalous results nonplussed the research team.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation; used for dramatic effect.
Technical
Extremely rare.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The referee's bizarre decision nonplussed everyone in the stadium.
- Her sudden resignation nonplussed the board members.
American English
- The complex tax code nonplused even the accountant.
- His cryptic message nonplused the entire staff.
adverb
British English
- (Rare, typically not used)
American English
- (Rare, typically not used)
adjective
British English
- He gave a nonplussed shrug when asked about the missing files.
- The lecturer wore a nonplussed expression after the student's tangential question.
American English
- She was nonplused by the outdated technology in the office.
- A nonplused silence followed his unexpected announcement.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The strange noise from the engine nonplussed the mechanic for a moment.
- Critics were nonplussed by the artist's abrupt shift to abstract minimalism, struggling to reconcile it with her earlier figurative work.
- The ambassador's undiplomatic remarks left her aides utterly nonplussed, forcing them to devise a swift clarification.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'NON' (not) + 'PLUS' (more). When you're nonplussed, you cannot go any further in your thinking; you're stuck.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFUSION IS BEING STOPPED/BLOCKED (at a standstill).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'не плюс' (not a plus).
- Do not translate as 'не впечатлён' (unimpressed) unless context clearly indicates the non-standard American usage.
- Closest equivalents: 'ставить в тупик', 'ошеломлять'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'unfazed' (especially in AmE).
- Spelling as 'nonplused' (AmE) / 'nonplussed' (BrE) for the past tense is correct, but the single 's' is less common.
- Pronouncing the 's' as /z/ (it is /s/).
Practice
Quiz
In standard formal English, what does it mean to be 'nonplussed'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It describes a state of perplexity or bafflement, which is typically neutral or negative.
Both are accepted. 'Nonplussed' (with double 's') is more common, especially in British English. 'Nonplused' (single 's') is an accepted American variant.
It's likely a logical misinterpretation: parsing 'non-' as 'not' and '-plus' as 'more/positive,' leading to 'not bothered.' This usage is widespread but still controversial and not accepted in formal writing.
No, it's a mid-frequency (C1/C2) word found more in written English, journalism, and formal speech than in everyday conversation.