perplexed or confused to the point of being unsure how to react
example
She was nonplussed by the unexpected turn of events at the meeting, leaving her unsure of how to respond.
synonyms
perplexedbewilderedconfused
word origin — The word 'nonplussed' comes from the Latin phrase 'non plus', meaning 'not more'. Initially, it was used in English from the early 17th century to describe someone who is at a loss for words or unsure how to react.
GRE Vocabulary — Set 87
Set 87 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: nonplussed, lurid, implacable, glib, leery. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
nonplussed · adjective/nɑnˈplʌst/
perplexed or confused to the point of being unsure how to react
She was nonplussed by the unexpected turn of events at the meeting, leaving her unsure of how to respond.
Synonyms: perplexed, bewildered, confused
Origin: The word 'nonplussed' comes from the Latin phrase 'non plus', meaning 'not more'. Initially, it was used in English from the early 17th century to describe someone who is at a loss for words or unsure how to react.
lurid · adjective/ˈlʊrɪd/
causing shock or horror; vivid and sensational, often in a way that is groundless or exaggerated
The tabloid published a lurid account of the scandal, complete with exaggerated details and sensational headlines.
Synonyms: gruesome, sensational, shocking
Origin: From Latin 'luridus', meaning 'pale, ghastly, or wan'.
implacable · adjective/ɪmˈplæk.ə.bəl/
unable to be appeased or placated
The implacable enemy refused to negotiate, leading to a prolonged conflict that caused immense suffering.
Synonyms: unappeasable, relentless, unyielding
Origin: From Latin 'implacabilis', where 'im-' means 'not' and 'placabilis' means 'able to be appeased'.
glib · adjective/ɡlɪb/
marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of being insincere or superficial
The salesperson's glib promises about the product's effectiveness made many customers skeptical of its true value.
Synonyms: smooth, slick, insincere
Origin: of uncertain origin; possibly from the Scots verb 'glib', meaning to speak smoothly or fluently
leery · adjective/ˈlɪri/
cautious or wary due to suspicions about someone or something
After hearing about the recent scams in the area, she was leery of giving her personal information to strangers online.
Synonyms: suspicious, wary, cautious
Origin: Originates from the early 20th century, from the adjective 'leery', possibly influenced by the dialectal term 'leary' meaning 'cautious' or 'suspicious'.