Note, the honest Quaker was nonplussed, and greatly surprised at that question.
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.
Wikipedia foundation.
nonplussed — Nonplussed is often misused in the sense of calm and unbothered . The actual meaning is confused or bewildered : She was nonplussed by her husband s unusual behavior … Confused words
nonplussed — ► ADJECTIVE 1) surprised and confused. 2) N. Amer. informal unperturbed. USAGE In standard English nonplussed means ‘surprised and confused’. A new meaning, ‘not disconcerted; unperturbed’, has developed recently in North American English,… … English terms dictionary
nonplussed — (adj.) c.1600, pp. adjective from NONPLUS (Cf. nonplus) … Etymology dictionary
nonplussed — non|plussed also nonplused AmE [nɔnˈplʌst US na:n ] adj [not before noun] [Date: 1500 1600; Origin: nonplus state of confusion (16 19 centuries), from Latin non plus no more ] so surprised by something that you do not know what to say or do… … Dictionary of contemporary English
nonplussed — [[t]nɒ̱nplʌ̱st[/t]] ADJ GRADED: usu v link ADJ If you are nonplussed, you feel confused and unsure how to react. She expected him to ask for a scotch and was rather nonplussed when he asked her to mix him a martini and lemonade. Syn: at a loss … English dictionary
Nonplussed — Nonplus Non plus , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nonplused}or {Nonplussed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Nonplusing} or {Nonplussing}.] To puzzle; to confound; to perplex; to cause to stop by embarrassment. [1913 Webster] He has been nonplused by Mr. Dry s desiring… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
nonplussed — also nonplused AmE adjective so surprised by something that you do not know what to say or do: He stood, nonplussed, the letter still in his hand … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
nonplussed adj — That just doesn t add up, said Tom, nonplussed … English expressions
nonplussed — Synonyms and related words: addled, at a loss, at a nonplus, at a stand, at a standstill, at an impasse, baffled, bamboozled, beat, bewildered, buffaloed, confounded, dazed, floored, fuddled, in a dilemma, in suspense, licked, muddled, mystified … Moby Thesaurus
nonplussed — (Roget s IV) modif. Syn. baffled, confused, at a loss (for words); see bewildered , doubtful 2 … English dictionary for students
