nonplussed
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Latin non plus (“no more, no further”).[1]
[edit] Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ʌst
[edit] Adjective
nonplussed (comparative more nonplussed, superlative most nonplussed)
- Bewildered; unsure how to respond.
- 1724, Daniel Defoe, Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress:
- Note, the honest Quaker was nonplussed, and greatly surprised at that question.
- 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Episode 16
- For the nonce he was rather nonplussed but inasmuch as the duty plainly devolved upon him to take some measures on the subject he pondered suitable ways and means during which Stephen repeatedly yawned.
- 1724, Daniel Defoe, Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress:
- (proscribed) (US, informal) Unfazed, unaffected, or unimpressed.
- 2002,, Debra Pickett, “SUNDAY LUNCH WITH”, Chicago Sun-Times, page 24:
- And while many of us might be a little taken aback if Mom showed up at our offices, Secrist is utterly nonplussed, even happy about it.
- 2003,, Gerald F. Kreyche, “John Charles Fremont; and the Exploration of the American West.”, USA Today Magazine, volume 132, number 2700, page 52-57:
- One can not help but wonder how the unnecessary death of 10 men sat on Fermont's conscience. From all appearances, he seemed nonplussed and never was remorseful or contrite.
- 2004,, Jane McConnell, “Head Out!”, Sunset, volume 212, number 6, page 140:
- My screams woke everyone […] . My brother-in-law, Mike, was nonplussed: “Why would you get excited over a little bug like that?”
- 2002,, Debra Pickett, “SUNDAY LUNCH WITH”, Chicago Sun-Times, page 24:
[edit] Usage notes
In recent North American English nonplussed has come to mean "unimpressed".[1] In 1999, this was considered a neologism, ostensibly from "not plussed", although "plussed" by itself is not a recognized English word. The "unimpressed" meaning is not considered standard usage by at least one authoritative source.[2]
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Translations
bewildered
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unimpressed
[edit] Verb
nonplussed
- Simple past tense and past participle of nonplus.
[edit] References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Mavens' Word of the Day" (in English). 1999-12-21. URL accessed on 2006-09-26.
- ^ "askOxford: nonplussed" (in English). URL accessed on 2007-04-20.
