Both words describe the state of mental confusion and surprise prompted by an encounter with something we don’t understand or can’t make sense of. The familiar adjective puzzled refers to the effect on us of something we don’t understand: She looked puzzled. Nonplussed refers to a greater degree of confusion, combined with surprise, that may render a person temporarily speechless and slightly disoriented: Her sudden about-face on this issue left her supporters nonplussed. It is common for someone to be left nonplussed or be nonplussed to discover, find, or learn something. Typically, someone can be, seem, or look nonplussed, be left nonplussed by something, or wear a nonplussed expression or stare. However, it’s also common for someone to be in this state only momentarily or for a moment.

High and lofty refer to something that has considerable height. High is a general term, and refers to extending upward or being at a considerable height: high towers; a high shelf. Lofty refers to imposing or even inspiring height, often in architecture or the natural landscape: lofty cliffs; a lofty spire; at a lofty height. These words also overlap in their figurative senses, so that you can elevate or exalt high ideals and ambitions by making them lofty ones.

The act of hectoring someone has many of the same elements as bullying. Hector refers to relentless harassment or tormenting of people, but it consists almost exclusively of verbal aggression—criticism, accusation, and insult—and doesn’t approach the level of cruelty or vicious abuse suggested by bully. Hector is likely to be paired with verbs such as harass, lecture, preach, nag, and harangue. People who hector don’t necessarily have the power advantage of a bully, but they may assume authority or superiority of a moralizing kind.