Nonplused vs. Nonplussed — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Maham Liaqat — By Sumaia Saeed — Updated on April 28, 2024
Nonplused is the incorrect spelling of nonplussed. Nonplussed means to be so surprised or confused that one is unsure how to react.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Nonplused or Nonplussed
How to spell Nonplussed?
Nonplused
Incorrect Spelling
Nonplussed
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Associate the double 's' in nonplussed with the word stress, reflecting the emotional impact.
Recall that nonplussed has an extra 's' because it often leaves someone doubly confused or surprised.
The spelling "nonplussed" aligns with other English words with a stress pattern on the second syllable, like "distressed."
How Do You Spell Nonplussed Correctly?
Incorrect: His announcement left the audience nonplused.
Correct: His announcement left the audience nonplussed.
Incorrect: The strange response from the manager nonplused him.
Correct: The strange response from the manager nonplussed him.
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Incorrect: She was nonplused by the sudden change in plans.
Correct: She was nonplussed by the sudden change in plans.
Incorrect: I was completely nonplused by the quiz results.
Correct: I was completely nonplussed by the quiz results.
Incorrect: They remained nonplused after the presentation.
Correct: They remained nonplussed after the presentation.
Nonplussed Definitions
At a loss as to what to think or do.
Nonplussed, he walked away from the heated debate.
Feeling a mixture of bewilderment and surprise.
She was nonplussed when she saw the unexpected guest.
Surprised and confused so much that one is unsure how to react.
He was nonplussed by the unexpected question.
(In informal North American usage) Unperturbed, not disconcerted.
She remained nonplussed despite the chaos around her.
To put at a loss as to what to think, say, or do; bewilder.
Usage Problem To cause to feel indifferent or bored.
A state of bewilderment or perplexity.
Unsure how to act or respond; bewildered, perplexed.
Unaffected, unfazed; unimpressed.
Simple past tense and past participle of nonplus
Filled with bewilderment;
At a loss to understand those remarks
Puzzled that she left without saying goodbye
Showing no reaction to something that typically elicits a response.
His nonplussed face during the announcement was puzzling.
Nonplussed Meaning in a Sentence
They were nonplussed by the sudden loud noise.
Her nonplussed expression made everyone laugh.
Everyone was nonplussed by the magic trick.
The teacher's announcement left the class nonplussed.
She found herself completely nonplussed in the new city.
His nonplussed reaction was unexpected.
Her nonplussed face showed she was out of her comfort zone.
He looked nonplussed after hearing the joke.
She was nonplussed by the puzzle in front of her.
The nonplussed crowd didn't know how to react.
They remained nonplussed during the whole conversation.
He was nonplussed by the complex math problem.
Being nonplussed in such situations is rare.
The movie's ending left us all nonplussed.
She walked into the room nonplussed by the surprise party.
He stood nonplussed as the argument unfolded around him.
The nonplussed puppy didn’t know what to do with the toy.
The sudden blackout left the shoppers nonplussed.
Her nonplussed attitude during emergencies is remarkable.
The artist was nonplussed by the unexpected critique.
Nonplussed Idioms & Phrases
Leave someone nonplussed
To make someone so surprised or confused that they do not know how to react.
The bizarre movie left the audience nonplussed.
Remain nonplussed
To stay calm and not show surprise or confusion.
He remained nonplussed even as the debate heated up.
Look nonplussed
To appear visibly confused or surprised.
She looked nonplussed when she couldn't find her car in the lot.
Act nonplussed
To behave in a way that shows no reaction to something surprising or confusing.
He acted nonplussed even though he was upset inside.
Seem nonplussed
To give the impression of being confused or surprised.
She seemed nonplussed by the sudden change in schedule.
Common Curiosities
How is nonplussed used in a sentence?
She was nonplussed by the unexpected turn of events.
How do we divide nonplussed into syllables?
The division is non-plussed.
What is the verb form of nonplussed?
Nonplussed is not a verb; it is an adjective. There is no verb form.
What is the pronunciation of nonplussed?
Nonplussed is pronounced /nɒnˈplʌst/.
Why is it called nonplussed?
It comes from Latin "non plus" meaning "no more," used when something is so surprising that one doesn't know how to respond further.
How many syllables are in nonplussed?
There are two syllables in nonplussed.
What is a stressed syllable in nonplussed?
The stressed syllable in nonplussed is the second: 'plussed'.
What is the root word of nonplussed?
The root is the Latin phrase "non plus," which means "no more."
What is the plural form of nonplussed?
The adjective nonplussed does not have a plural form.
Is nonplussed an adverb?
No, nonplussed is not an adverb.
Is nonplussed a negative or positive word?
Nonplussed is generally considered neutral but often conveys a negative situation of confusion.
Is nonplussed a vowel or consonant?
The word begins with a consonant.
Is nonplussed a collective noun?
No, nonplussed is an adjective, not a collective noun.
Which determiner is used with nonplussed?
Determiners such as the, a, or any can be used with nonplussed depending on context.
Is the nonplussed term a metaphor?
No, nonplussed is not used metaphorically; it directly describes a state of confusion or surprise.
What is another term for nonplussed?
Another term for nonplussed could be bewildered or flabbergasted.
What is the singular form of nonplussed?
The singular form is nonplussed.
What is the opposite of nonplussed?
Composed or unfazed could be considered opposites.
Is the word nonplussed imperative?
No, nonplussed is an adjective, not a verb.
Is the word nonplussed a gerund?
No, nonplussed is not a gerund; it is an adjective.
Which preposition is used with nonplussed?
Common prepositions used with nonplussed include 'by' and 'with'.
Is nonplussed an abstract noun?
No, nonplussed is an adjective, not a noun.
Is the word “nonplussed” a direct object or an indirect object?
As an adjective, nonplussed cannot be a direct or indirect object.
Which conjunction is used with nonplussed?
Conjunctions like and, or, and but can be used with nonplussed.
Which article is used with nonplussed?
The definite article 'the' or the indefinite 'a' can be used with nonplussed, depending on the context.
What part of speech is nonplussed?
Nonplussed is an adjective.
Is nonplussed a noun or adjective?
Nonplussed is an adjective.
Is nonplussed a countable noun?
Nonplussed is not a noun; it's an adjective.
Which vowel is used before nonplussed?
Typically, a consonant sound precedes nonplussed; no specific vowel is associated with it.
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Written by
Sumaia Saeed
Edited by
Maham Liaqat
