nonplus etymology

Etymology:

The word "nonplus" comes from the Latin "non" (not) and "plus" (more), literally meaning "not more." It entered the English language in the 16th century.

Meaning:

Nonplus means:

  • To confuse or perplex thoroughly
  • To bring to a halt or deadlock
  • To exhaust or overwhelm

Origin:

The phrase "to nonplus" originally referred to a logical fallacy in medieval disputations. It was used to indicate that an opponent had been unable to respond to a question or argument. The fallacy became known as a "non plus ultra" (literally, "no further beyond"), meaning that it was the ultimate argument that could not be refuted.

Over time, the term "nonplus" came to be used more generally to describe any situation in which someone is completely confused or at a loss. It is particularly common in the context of intellectual or academic challenges.

nonplus relate terms

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