nonplussed
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[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)
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Positive |
Comparative |
Superlative |
- Bewildered; unsure how to respond.
- (US, informal) Unfazed, unaffected, or unimpressed.
- 2002, Debra Pickett, “SUNDAY LUNCH WITH”, Chicago Sun-Times, April 14, 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, vol. 132, no. 2700, September, 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, vol. 212, no. 6, June, page 140:
- Unexpected visitors: My screams woke everyone on the boat the first night when a large bat flapped up against the screen door to our small cabin, with its foam double beds. 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, April 14, page 24:
[edit] Usage notes
Recently in 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 one source.[2]
[edit] Translations
bewildered
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unimpressed
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Verb
nonplussed
- Simple past tense and past participle of nonplus.
[edit] References
- Notes:
- ↑ 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.
