What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonplussed
Example
I was completely nonplussed by his unexpected announcement. [nonplussed: adjective]
Example
She was nonplussed when he suddenly proposed to her. [nonplussed: verb]
perplexed
Example
I was perplexed by the instructions on the package. [perplexed: adjective]
Example
She was perplexed about which direction to take. [perplexed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perplexed is more commonly used than nonplussed in everyday language. Perplexed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nonplussed is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonplussed and perplexed?
Both nonplussed and perplexed are formal words and are not commonly used in informal speech. However, perplexed may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
