nonplus
nonplus
Pronunciation
/nɒnˈplʌs/
non:
/n/ - voiced alveolar nasal
/ɒ/ - open back rounded vowel
/n/ - voiced alveolar nasal
plus:
/ˈplʌs/ - the stress is on this syllable.
/p/ - voiceless bilabial stop
/l/ - voiced alveolar lateral approximant
/ʌ/ - mid central unrounded vowel
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
As a Noun:
nonplus:
This is the base form, referring to a state of perplexity or quandary.
plural: nonpluses (less common)
As a Verb:
nonplus:
This is the base form, meaning to bewilder or perplex.
Variations:
nonplussed/nonplused: past participle and adjective (e.g., "He was nonplussed by the question.")
nonplussing/nonplusing: present participle (e.g., "The confusing instructions were nonplussing everyone.")
nonplusses/nonpluses: third person singular present. (e.g. "That situation nonplusses me.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
1. Noun:
Definition:
A state of profound bewilderment or utter perplexity, where one is at a loss for what to think, say, or do.
A situation that creates a mental impasse.
Synonyms:
Quandary, perplexity, bewilderment, confusion, impasse, stalemate, dilemma, puzzlement.
Antonyms:
Clarity, understanding, certainty, comprehension, resolution, solution.
2. Verb:
Definition:
To cause someone to be utterly perplexed or bewildered, leaving them unable to proceed or respond effectively.
To totally confuse someone.
Synonyms:
Perplex, bewilder, confound, confuse, baffle, puzzle, astound, dumbfound, disorient, flummox.
Antonyms:
Clarify, enlighten, explain, reassure, comfort, simplify.
3. Adjective (nonplussed/nonplused):
Definition:
In a state of utter perplexity or bewilderment.
To be in a state of confusion.
Synonyms:
Perplexed, bewildered, confounded, confused, baffled, puzzled, astounded, dumbfounded, disoriented.
Antonyms:
Clearheaded, certain, composed, understanding, aware, oriented.
Examples of Use
Newspapers and Online Publications:
"I was nonplussed by his openly expressed admiration of me." (Source: Merriam-Webster)
"But that wasn't enough for Barr, then Roseanne Arnold, who was nonplussed about the new show's lukewarm reviews." (Source: latimes.com)
"The people who put him in office would applaud and say that's our Trump, even if the media would be completely nonplussed." (Source: WSJ)
"Lori was nonplussed at his announcement of his new career." (Source: chicagotribune.com)
"While Petty's criminal past has been a concern to some fans, Minaj is nonplussed." (Source: PEOPLE.com)
"Even in the Kurdish capital, Erbil, the referendum has left many nonplussed." (Source: The Economist)
General Public Discourse:
In everyday conversation, you might hear someone say, "I was completely nonplussed by their sudden change of plans." This indicates they were thoroughly confused and taken aback.
During a debate or discussion, someone might remark, "The speaker seemed nonplussed by the challenging questions from the audience," suggesting the speaker appeared bewildered or unable to respond effectively.
10 Famous Quotes Using Nonplus
“Do not let complexity nonplus you; clarity comes after patience.”
“My mentor said a calm mind will not nonplus under pressure.”
“History shows that unexpected truth can nonplus even the proudest rulers.”
“A poet wrote that love may nonplus the heart before it teaches it.”
“Revolutions begin when injustice can no longer nonplus the people into silence.”
“A wise leader does not nonplus their followers with confusion, but guides them with purpose.”
“Hope can nonplus despair by simply refusing to fade.”
“Let nothing nonplus your resolve once you’ve chosen your path.”
“New ideas often nonplus closed minds.”
“Success arrives when obstacles no longer nonplus your determination.”
Etymology
The Basic Idea:
"Nonplus" comes from Latin, and it's essentially a combination of two parts:
"non": This is the Latin word for "not."
"plus": This Latin word means "more."
So, if you put them together, "nonplus" originally meant "no more."
How It Evolved:
Original Meaning (1570s):
Back in the late 1500s, "nonplus" was first used as a verb. It meant "to puzzle, to put in a quandary, to bring to a stop." Think of it as being so confused that you can't go "any more" or proceed further.
The phrase "to be at a nonplus" was also used, meaning to be in a situation where you couldn't do any more, or you were stuck.
Shift to Bewilderment:
Over time, the meaning shifted to emphasize the mental state of being confused or bewildered. It moved away from just being "stopped" and more toward being mentally "stuck."
Modern Usage:
Today, "nonplus" (especially in its "nonplussed" form) is used to describe someone who is thoroughly perplexed or bewildered. It's about being so confused that you don't know what to think or do.
In essence:
Imagine you're trying to solve a puzzle, and you get completely stuck. You can't figure out the next step. That's the feeling of being "nonplussed." You're at "no more" progress, and you're left in a state of confusion.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Nonplus
Supplementing with Synonymous Idioms:
Since "nonplus" is about confusion and bewilderment, we can look at idioms that express similar feelings:
"To be at a loss": This idiom means to be unsure of what to do or say, similar to being nonplussed.
"To be taken aback": This phrase means to be surprised and confused, like when you're nonplussed.
"To be stumped": This means to be unable to answer a question or solve a problem, a similar state to being nonplussed.
"To be thrown for a loop": To be confused or surprised.
"To be in a quandary": To be in a state of uncertainty or perplexity.
"To be in a fog": To be confused or disoriented.
Original Phrases:
"Nonplussed into silence": Describing a situation where someone is so bewildered they cannot speak.
"A moment of nonplus": A brief period of utter confusion.
"The nonplus effect": The result of a bewildering situation.
While "nonplus" itself doesn't have many idioms, understanding its meaning allows us to use synonymous phrases to express similar ideas.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of nonplus from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
