What does plussed mean?
Plussed is an informal verb meaning that something has been made better, stronger, or more attractive by means of an additional feature. It is commonly used with an object that has been supplemented or upgraded: a basic car may be plussed with a powerful engine, while a simple design may be plussed with decorative details. The word can also describe the granting of a favorable evaluation, as in a judge saying that an entry was plussed because of its originality. Its tone is generally positive but can become mildly critical when the added extras seem excessive or ostentatious, particularly in the expression "plussed-up." Although the word retains a conversational flavor, it is useful in advertising, product descriptions, criticism, and informal assessments because it concisely conveys both improvement and the addition of something beyond the standard version.
verbTo make something better or more attractive by adding an extra feature, benefit, or enhancement. It may also mean to confer or receive an improved or more favorable evaluation.
- To improve or enhance something by adding a desirable feature.
- To receive a favorable rating, evaluation, or mark of approval.
- To make a more favorable assessment of someone or something.
"The designer plussed the basic model with a larger display and a longer battery life."
"The company plussed its budget model with leather seats and a navigation system."
"Her persuasive argument plussed the proposal by addressing every major objection."
A word can be plused: take the ordinary version and add something that makes it better.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plussed come from?
Plussed derives from "plus," a term borrowed from Latin meaning "more" or "additional." The suffix-like sense of adding something advantageous developed in the English word "plussed," which came into use during the twentieth century. "Plus" ultimately comes from the Latin word "pluris," meaning "more," which also underlies related English words such as "plenitude," "plenary," and "plenteous."
Related word forms
How plussed is actually used
Chiefly informal and especially common in American English. It often implies a conspicuous enhancement, and the adjective form "plussed-up" can suggest that the improvement is flashy, excessive, or deliberately attention-grabbing.
Easily confused with plussed
Plussed means improved or enhanced, whereas planned means arranged or intended in advance.
Plussed conveys improvement or enhancement, while pressed can mean compressed, urged, or ironed.