How to pronounce nonplussed
Say it like non-PLUHST. Nonplussed has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLUHST).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nonplussed. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- non
- PLUHST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nonplussed pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- nonGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- PLUHSTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of nonplussed
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: non-PLUHST.
What does nonplussed mean?
- Unsure how to act or respond; bewildered, perplexed.
- simple past and past participle of nonplus How to pronounce nonplus
Where does nonplussed come from?
Adjective sense 2 (“unaffected”) is probably from a misinterpretation of the first element of the word as the prefix non- meaning “not”.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with nonplussed
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nonplussed.
Questions about saying nonplussed
How do you pronounce nonplussed?
Say non-PLUHST. The American pronunciation is /ˌnɑnˈplʌst/. In British English it is /nɒnˈplʌst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nonplussed?
Nonplussed has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLUHST). Broken into parts: non · PLUHST.
Is nonplussed pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /nɒnˈplʌst/ (non-PLUHST).