Pronunciation: /nɑːnplʌs/

Definitions of nonplus

noun a state of perplexity or confusion

Example Sentences

A1 I was in a state of nonplus when I couldn't find my keys.

A2 Her sudden resignation left us in a state of nonplus.

B1 The complex math problem left the students in a state of nonplus.

B2 The politician's response to the controversial question left the audience in nonplus.

C1 The scientist's groundbreaking research findings caused a nonplus among his peers.

C2 The artist's abstract painting left critics in a state of nonplus, unable to fully comprehend its meaning.

verb to cause to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do

Example Sentences

A1 She was nonplussed by the sudden change in plans.

A2 The difficult math problem nonplussed the students.

B1 The complex legal jargon nonplussed the jury members.

B2 His calm demeanor nonplussed the aggressive interviewer.

C1 The unexpected turn of events nonplussed even the seasoned negotiator.

C2 Her ability to think quickly in high-pressure situations never failed to nonplus her colleagues.

Examples of nonplus in a Sentence

formal The complex mathematical problem left the students in a state of nonplus.

informal I was completely nonplussed by his sudden outburst.

slang I was totally nonplussed when she told me she was quitting her job.

figurative The unexpected turn of events left me in a state of nonplus.

Grammatical Forms of nonplus

past tense

nonplussed

plural

nonplusses

comparative

more nonplussed

superlative

most nonplussed

present tense

nonplus

future tense

will nonplus

perfect tense

has nonplussed

continuous tense

is nonplussing

singular

nonplus

positive degree

nonplus

infinitive

to nonplus

gerund

nonplussing

participle

nonplussed

Origin and Evolution of nonplus

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'nonplus' originated from the Latin phrase 'non plus' meaning 'no more'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to mean a state of perplexity or confusion, 'nonplus' has evolved to also mean to cause someone to be puzzled or confused.